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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



a Jftanual of 

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for Use in 

yewish Schools and Families 



BY , 

LOUIS Bf ABRAHAMS 




Revised and Adapted for American Use 



NEW YORK 

HBloclj publishing Co* 

1905 



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Copyright, 1905, 

BY 

Bloch Publishing Co. 
New York 



NOTE. 

Abraham's "Manual of Scripture History" needs no 
introduction ; the book is very popular in England, and 
experienced teachers in this country, who have long 
recognized its merits, have pronounced it to be superior 
to any similar publication now in use. 

The book is what its name stands for, a text-book of 
Scripture History for use in Jewish homes and schools. 
The language is mainly Biblical, hence it can well serve 
as an introduction to the Bible. 

The book has been revised to meet the needs of Amer- 
ican schools. For the use of teachers, examination ques- 
tions have been added, which will undoubtedly prove of 
much value. 



iii 



CONTENTS. 



PART I. 

FROM THE CREATION TO THE DEATH OF JOSEPH. 

PAGE 

I. The Creation — Eden — Adam and Eve i 

II. Noah— The Flood 3 

III. The Tower of Babel 5 

IV. Abraham 6 

V. Abraham {continued) — The War of the Kings .... 8 

VI. Abraham {continued) — Birth of Ishmael — Destruction of 

Sodom and Gomorrah 9 

VII. Birth of Isaac — The Trial of Abraham — Death of Abraham 1 2 

VIII. Isaac 14 

IX. Jacob 17 

X. Jacob {continued) 19 

XI. Joseph — His Captivity in Egypt 21 

XII. Joseph in Egypt 23 

XIII. Joseph in Egypt {continued) 25 

XIV. Death of Jacob and of Joseph 28 



PART II. 

FROM THE DEATH OF JOSEPH TO THE DEATH OF MOSES. 

I. Oppression of the Israelites in Egypt — The Call of Moses . 32 

II. The Ten Plagues — The Redemption from Egypt . . . . 35 

III. Passage of the Red Sea — Battle with the Amalekites . . 37 

IV. The Decalogue 39 

V. The Golden Calf— The Tabernacle 42 

VI. The Priesthood— The Elders 44 

VII. The Spies 47 

VIII. The Rebellion of Korah 49 

iv 



CONTENTS. v 

PAGE 

IX. Death of Miriam and of Aaron 51 

X. Balak and Balaam 53 

XI. The People Numbered — Appointment of Joshua ... 56 

XII. The Last Days of Moses ... 58 

PART III. 

FROM THE DEATH OF MOSES TO THE CHOICE OF SAUL. 

I. The Spies sent to Jericho — Passage of the Jordan ... 63 

II. Fall of Jericho — Achan's Sin — Capture of Ai 65 

III. The Gibeonites — The Five Kings of Canaan 67 

IV. Wars with the Canaanites — Division of Palestine — Death 

of Joshua 68 

V. The Judges — Othniel to Deborah 71 

VI. The Judges {continued) — Gideon 73 

VII. The Judges {continued) — Abimelech — Jair ...... 75 

VIII. Jephthah — Samson 77 

IX. Samson {continued) 80 

X. Ruth 82 

XI. Birth of Samuel — His Dedication to God's Service ... 83 
XII. War with the Philistines — Capture of the Ark — Death of 

Eli and his Sons . . . '. 85 

PART IV. 

FROM SAUL TO THE DEATH OF SOLOMON. 

I. Saul made King — His First Offence 89 

II. Saul's Wars — David Anointed King 91 

III. David and Goliath 93 

IV. Saul Jealous of David — The Love of David and Jonathan . 94 
V. David an Exile — His Wanderings — Death of Samuel . . 97 

VI. Saul and the Witch of En-dor — Death of Saul .... 100 
VII. David King over Judah — The Ark Brought to Jerusalem . 103 
VIII. David's Various Wars — His Sin with Bathsheba .... 106 
IX. Absalom's Rebellion — David's Flight and Return — Absa- 
lom's Death 109 

X. The Last Days of David— The Psalms 112 

XI. Solomon Ascends the Throne — He Builds the Temple . 114 
XII. Solomon's Greatness and Death , , , , , , , . -117 



vi CONTENTS. 



PART V. 

THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL. 

PAGE 

I. Jeroboam — Nadab 122 

II. Baasha — Elah — Zimri — Omri — Ahab — Elijah . . . .124 

III. Ahab — Elijah and the Priests of Baal 126 

IV. Ahab — Elijah — Benhadad 128 

V. Naboth's Vineyard — Micaiah — Death of Ahab — Ahaziah . 131 

VI. Elijah — Elisha — Jehoram 134 

VII. Elisha's Miracles 136 

VIII. Jehoram — War with the Syrians — Death of Benhadad . .138 

IX. Jehu — Death of Jezebel — Jehoahaz — Death of Elisha . . 140 

X. Jeroboam II. — The End of the Kingdom 143 

PART VI. 

THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH. 

I. Rehoboam — Asa — Jehoshaphat 148 

II. Joram — Ahaziah — Athaliah — Joash — Amaziah . . . .151 

III. Uzziah — Jotham — Ahaz — Hezekiah 154 

IV. Hezekiah (continued) — Manasseh — Amon 156 

V. Josiah — Jehoahaz 159 

VI. Jehoiakin — Jehoiachin — Zedekiah 161 

PART VII. 

THE CAPTIVITY — THE RESTORATION. 

I. Gedaliah — Ishmael 166 

II. The Captivity— Daniel 167 

III. Daniel (continued) — Belshazzar 169 

IV. End of the Captivity— The Temple Rebuilt 170 

V. History of Esther 173 

VI. History of Esther (continued) 174 

VII. Ezra — Nehemiah 176 

VIII. Chanukah — Feast of Dedication 179 

Geographical Appendix 182 

Books of the Bible .185 






PART I. 

FROM THE CREATION TO THE DEATH OF 
JOSEPH. 

CHAPTER I. 
The Creation— Eden— Adam and Eve. 

The World Created.— In the beginning God created 
the heavens and the earth. On the first day He made the 
light, on the second the heavens, on the third the dry land. 
On this day He commanded the earth to bring forth 
herbs, grasses, and trees. On the fourth day He made 
the sun, moon, and stars : the sun to give light by day, the 
moon and stars to light up the night. On the fifth day 
He created fish and fowl. On the sixth day He made all 
cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Lastly, 
all things having been formed ready for his use, God 
created man in His own image and gave him the breath 
of life. On the seventh day God rested from all His 
work. "And God blessed the seventh day, and sancti- 
fied it, because thereon He had rested from all His work, 
which God created and made." 

Eden. — God planted a garden in Eden in the eastern 
part of the world, and placed in it the man, Adam, whom 
He had made. God caused to grow in this garden every 
tree that was pleasant to the sight and good for food, and 
in the midst of the garden He placed the tree of life, and 
also the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. When 

1 



2 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden, He gave him 
one command. He said to the man, " Of every tree in the 
garden thou mayest eat ; but of the tree of the knowledge 
of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it, for on the day 
thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." 

Eve. — God created the first woman to be a proper help- 
for the man. And Adam called his wife's name Eve 
(Chavah), because she was the mother of all living. 

The First Sin. — Now the serpent was more cunning 
than any beast of the field, and he tempted Eve to break 
the only command which God had then given. Going to 
the woman he persuaded her to eat of the fruit of the for- 
bidden tree. But Eve answered him that she dared not 
eat of the fruit for fear of the punishment of death. Then 
the serpent told her that she would not die; but that on 
the day she and Adam ate of it, their eyes should be 
opened, and they should become as God, knowing good 
and evil. She then ate of the fruit of the forbidden tree, 
and gave some of the fruit also to Adam, and he did eat. 
Thus did the first man and the first woman commit the 
first sin. 

Adam and Eve Driven from Eden. — Later in the day 
Adam and Eve heard the voice of God in the garden. 
Knowing they had done wrong, they tried to hide them- 
selves. But God at once charged them with their guilt. 
Adam laid the whole blame of the sin upon Eve; Eve, in 
her turn, blamed the serpent for tempting her. But God 
would not allow these excuses. They were all guilty 
alike; and punishment quickly followed. The serpent 
was to become the lowest and most despised of animals. 
Adam and Eve were to be driven out of the garden of 
Eden. They were to learn what pain and sorrow and 
suffering meant. Instead of living in ease upon the fruits 
of the garden, they were to labor and toil for their daily 
bread. "In the sweat of thy brow shalt thou eat bread, 



THE CREATION TO DEATH OF JOSEPH 3 

till thou returnest unto the ground, for out of it wast thou 
taken : for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.' ' 
Then God sent Adam and Eve out of the Garden of 
Eden. 

CHAPTER II. 

Noah— The Flood. 

Cain and Abel. — Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain 
and Abel. Cain was a tiller of the ground, and Abel was 
a keeper of sheep. The two brothers brought offerings 
unto God — Cain of the fruit of the ground; Abel of the 
best of his flocks. God was pleased with Abel, and with 
his offering; but to Cain and to his offering He showed 
no respect. This made Cain very angry, and one day, 
being with Abel in the fields, he rose up against his 
brother and slew him. After this the Lord said unto 
Cain, "Where is thy brother Abel?" and Cain answered, 
"I know not; am I my brother's keeper?" But God 
showed him that He knew of his crime. Cain became a 
wanderer upon the face of the earth, and afterward settled 
in the land of Nod, eastward of Eden. Here a son was 
born unto him, whose name was Enoch. The fourth 
descendant from Enoch was called Lamech. He was the 
father of Jabal, who was the first to dwell in tents, and to 
study the art of rearing cattle ; of Jubal, who invented the 
harp and flute, and of Tubal-cain, who first used instru- 
ments made of copper and iron. To Adam and Eve was 
now born a third son, named Seth. 

There were ten generations from Adam to Noah. 

The Flood.— During the life of Noah the people on 
the earth became very wicked. So great was their evil- 
doing that God repented that He had made man on the 
earth. But Noah did not follow the bad example of 
those around him, he did what was right in the sight of 



4 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

God, and found grace in His sight. Noah had three sons, 
Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And the Lord said to Noah, 
"The end of all flesh is come. I will destroy the earth 
with all the men in it." But Noah and his family were 
to be saved. So God told Noah to make an ark of gopher 
wood, 300 cubits long, 50 broad, and 30 high. Into this 
he and all his family went, taking with them seven pairs 
of every clean animal and fowl, and one pair of the un- 
clean, with sufficient food for all. Noah entered the ark 
when he was six hundred years old. 

Then God caused it to rain upon the earth forty days 
and forty nights — the fountains of the great deep were 
broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened, the 
waters kept on increasing upon the earth until they stood 
fifteen cubits above the highest mountains. And all liv- 
ing things that were on the dry land died. After the flood 
had lasted 150 days the water began slowly to decrease. 
In about six months more, the ark having by this time 
rested on Mount Ararat, Noah sent forth a raven to see 
if the lower land were yet dry. But the raven gave him 
no sure sign. He then sent forth a dove, but she returned 
because the waters had not yet left the surface of the 
earth. He waited seven days more, and then sent her 
forth again, and she returned with an olive leaf in her 
mouth. He waited yet seven days and again sent forth 
the dove, but she returned to him no more. Then Noah 
knew that he might safely venture forth. The flood had 
lasted one year and ten days. 

On coming from the Ark, Noah and his sons and their 
wives offered up a sacrifice of thanks unto God. And 
God said that the earth should no more be destroyed by 
a flood, and as a sign of this promise He set the rainbow 
in the clouds. 

Noah's Sons. — After this Noah began to cultivate the 
earth, and he planted a vineyard. God gave to Noah the 



THE CREATION TO DEATH OF JOSEPH 5 

permission to eat of the flesh of animals. But He strictly 
charged him not to eat of the flesh that had been cut from 
the living animal, for this cruel practice had prevailed be- 
fore the flood. God also forbade the crime of murder and 
suicide, and stated the punishment in these words, " Who- 
so sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed; 
for in the image of God made He man." 

Ham, one of Noah's sons, behaved so badly that he 
drew upon himself his father's anger. But Shem and 
Japheth did what was right in their father's eyes, and 
Noah loved and blessed them. Noah lived after the flood 
three hundred and fifty years, and was nine hundred and 
fifty years old when he died. , 

CHAPTER III. 
The Tower of Babel. 

The Oldest Nations.— The tenth chapter of Genesis 
is a very important one, as from the names and places 
mentioned in it we can trace the origin of most of the 
nations of ancient and modern times. 

The descendants of Shem occupied the central por- 
tions of the great eastern continent of the world. They 
were divided into the following nationalities: He- 
brews, Assyrians, Sabceans, Lydians, Arameans, My- 
sians, etc. 

The sons of Ham inhabited the southern portions of 
the continent, and spread themselves freely over Africa. 
From them sprung the various tribes of Africa; and also 
the Arabians, Babylonians, Egyptians, Libyans, Philis- 
tines, Phoenicians, and Canaanites. 

The children of Japheth settled in the northern and 
western portions of the great continent. They gave rise 
to the Scythians, Medes, Greeks, Cypriots, etc. The 



6 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

larger portion of the nations of Europe are descended 
from this branch. 

The Tower of Babel.— And the people said, "Let us 
build us a city, and a tower whose top may reach unto 
heaven ; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered 
abroad upon the face of the whole earth." At this time 
the whole earth was of one language and used the same 
words. In spite of God's promise, the fear of another 
deluge was strong in the minds of the people, and they 
resolved to guard themselves against a second destruction 
of the human race. In the plain of Shinar, between the 
Euphrates and the Tigris, they set about building a tower, 
the top of»which was to reach to heaven, and which was to 
afford them a sure refuge in case of another flood. But 
God was angry with the people for their pride and want 
of faith, and hindered the building of the tower. The 
Lord confounded the language of the people, so that one 
did not understand the other's speech. And He scattered 
them over the whole surface of the earth, so they left off 
building the city, which was called Babel, meaning con- 
fusion of tongues. 

As there were ten generations from Adam to Noah, so 
there were ten generations from Shem to Abraham. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Abraham. 

Descent of Abram. — Terah, a descendant of Shem, 
had three sons — Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran, 
who died in his father's lifetime, had a son, Lot, and two 
daughters, Milcah and Iscah. Nahor married Milcah, 
while Abram took to wife his niece Sarai. And Terah 
took Abram, and Sarai and Lot, and went forth with them 
from Ur of the Chaldees to go into the land of Canaan; 



THE CREATION TO DEATH OF JOSEPH 7 

and they came to Haran in Mesopotamia, and dwelt 
there. 

Abram's Wanderings. — When Abram was seventy-five 
years old God said unto him, "Get thee out from thy 
country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's 
house, into a land that I will show thee. And I will make 
of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy 
name great; and thou shalt be a blessing." Without a 
murmur Abram broke up his household, and taking with 
him his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot, passed into the 
land of Canaan and sojourned there. Again setting out 
on his travels he arrived at the village of Sichem, where 
he built an altar and " called upon the name of the Lord." 
By this is meant that Abram for the first time taught the 
inhabitants of Canaan the belief in the one true God, the 
only Creator and the Governor of the world. While at 
Sichem, God renewed His promise to Abram that his 
descendants should become great and should in later 
days inherit the land in which he was dwelling. Abram 
next pitched his tent at Beth- el, where he again "called 
upon the name of the Lord. ' ' After this Abram continued 
his wanderings, always going in a southerly direction. 

Now a famine came upon the land of Canaan, and 
Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there until the 
famine should cease. While dwelling in Egypt, Abram 
grew very rich, and became the owner of many cattle and 
much silver and gold. 

Lot. — The famine having passed, Abram returned to 
the south of Canaan. During the whole of his travels his 
nephew Lot accompanied him. Lot had also greatly 
prospered, no doubt through the help and example of 
Abram. In fact, so large had the flocks and herds of the 
two camps become, that no sufficient pasture in any one 
place could be found for them. Owing to this difficulty 
quarrels were frequent between the herdsmen of Abram 



8 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

and the herdsmen of Lot. This state of things was not 
pleasing to Abram, who was, above all things, a man of 
peace. And Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife, 
I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herds- 
men and thy herdsmen; for we are brethren." He then 
asked Lot to choose which part of the land he would like 
to have for himself: "If thou wilt take the left hand, then 
I will go to the right, or if thou depart to the right hand, 
then I will go to the left." 

Lot chose the fertile plain of Jordan, and encamped 
near the wicked city of Sodom. Abram removed his tent 
to the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built 
there an altar unto the Lord. 



CHAPTER V. 
Abraham {continued). 

Chedorlaomer.— At this time there reigned over Elam 
(a district in Persia) a mighty king named Chedorlaomer. 
He had conquered many princes, among whom were the 
rulers of cities in the Jordan plain. For twelve years they 
served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they re- 
belled. The next year Chedorlaomer invaded the south 
and east of Canaan, and after gaining many battles, 
marched to Sodom and Gomorrah, which he captured 
and despoiled. He took as spoils all the substance of 
these cities, and seizing Lot and all his possessions, car- 
ried him away with him. 

Abram Rescues Lot. — When Abram learned what 
had befallen Lot, he hastily gathered together his ser- 
vants to the number of three hundred and eighteen, 
armed them and set out in pursuit of the victorious king. 
Three princes of the land, Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner, 
friends of Abram, assisted him with men. Abram made 



THE CREATION TO DEATH OF JOSEPH 9 

a rapid march of 130 miles to Dan in the extreme north 
of Canaan, and there came up with the enemy. Abram 
showed not only bravery in pursuing an army many times 
larger than his own, but also skill in his plan of attack. 
Chedorlaomer was overthrown, and Lot and all his be- 
longings were rescued. 

On his return from the campaign, Melchizedek, king 
of Salem, priest of the most High God, came forth and 
blessed Abram. 

Although Abram had captured much spoil, he would 
not keep even a shoe-lace for himself, but restored all of 
it to the rightful owners. 

Abram's Vision. — After these events, the Lord ap- 
peared unto Abram in a vision, saying, " Fear not, Abram, 
I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward." In 
spite of these repeated promises, Abram's spirit was sad, 
for he had no child. God now gave him the hope that 
he would have a son, and renewed his promise that his 
descendants should be as numerous as the stars of heaven. 
And God showed unto His servant what would happen 
to his offspring; that they should be oppressed by a 
foreign people for 400 years, that the nation whom they 
served should be judged, and that in the end they should 
return to their land with great riches. In the same day 
the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, "Unto 
thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt 
(Nile) to the great river, the river Euphrates." 

CHAPTER VI. 

Abraham {continued)— Sodom and Gomorrah. 

Birth of Ishmael. — Abram was still childless, though 
he had reached the age of eighty-six. Now Sarai had 
an Egyptian maid, whose name was Hagar, and whom she 



10 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

gave to Abram for a second wife. This act led to great 
jealousy between Sarai and Hagar, and at last Hagar fled 
from the house of Abram. But an angel appeared unto 
her, and told her to return unto her mistress. He further 
said unto her that she should bear a son, whose name 
would be Ishmael, because the Lord had heard her afflic- 
tion. Hagar returned to the tent of Abram, and bare 
him a son, whose name was Ishmael. 

Abraham. — Thirteen years passed away. Abram be- 
ing now ninety and nine years old, the Lord appeared 
unto him, saying, "I am the Almighty God; walk before 
Me, and be thou perfect." God again renewed His 
promise to make his offspring numerous. And the Lord 
gave him a sign. "Neither shall thy name any more be 
called Abram, but thy name shall be ABRAHAM, for a 
father of many nations have I made thee. And I will 
make thee exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations 
of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will 
give unto thee and thy seed the land of Canaan, and I 
will be their God. And thou shalt keep My covenant, 
thou and thy seed after thee." 

God also changed Sarai's name to Sarah (queen). 
And the Lord said, " Sarah, thy wife, shall bear thee a 
son indeed, and thou shalt call his name Isaac. And My 
covenant will I establish with Isaac." 

Abraham's Hospitality.— In the heat of a summer's 
day, Abraham was sitting at the door of his tent, when 
he saw three men travelling toward him. The patri- 
arch, always ready to show kindness to strangers, invited 
them to rest and eat in his tent. The men did so. After 
the meal the travellers, who were angels, asked for Sarah, 
and being told she was in the tent, repeated God's promise 
that she should have a son. Sarah, who now heard the 
news for the first time, laughed within herself. One of 
the angels blamed her for this, saying, "Is anything too 



THE CREATION TO DEATH OF JOSEPH 11 

hard for the Lord?" Then the men rose up and set out 
toward Sodom, and Abraham went with them a little on 
the way. 

Sodom and Gomorrah. — Now the Lord was about to 
destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, because of their great 
wickedness. On making known His design to Abraham, 
the patriarch's grief was sore, and he feared, lest the inno- 
cent might suffer with the guilty. He therefore begged 
the Lord to spare the city if fifty good men could be found 
in it. God mercifully hearkened to the prayer of Abra- 
ham, and promised to spare the city if fifty good men 
could be found in it. But Abraham, fearing that such a 
number might not exist, asked further that the city might 
be spared if it contained forty good men. Again the Lord 
consented, and again Abraham sought to reduce the num- 
ber, till at length God promised to spare the city if only 
ten good persons could be found in it. But, alas! among 
the thousands who dwelt in Sodom, there could not be 
found ten who deserved the name of righteous. And so 
the wicked city went to its fate. 

The strangers who had partaken of Abraham's kind- 
ness, had a mission to perform. They were sent by the 
Lord to destroy the wicked cities of the plain. Two of 
them reached Sodom at even. Lot, Abraham's nephew, 
invited them to stay in his house over-night, and the travel- 
lers accepted his offer. Before they lay down to rest the 
men of Sodom gathered round the house intent on harm- 
ing the strangers. It was in vain Lot went out to calm 
their evil passions. The angels now pulled Lot within 
the house, and smote the men outside with blindness, so 
that they wearied themselves to find the door. 

Then the angels told Lot that they would destroy the 
city next day. They therefore urged him to leave at 
once, together with his wife, daughters, and other rela- 
tives. As they were going the angels said to him, " Escape 



12 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

for thy life ; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all 
the plain, escape to the mountains, lest thou be con- 
sumed." But Lot, pleading that the mountains were too 
far off, received permission to take refuge in the little 
town of Zoar. No sooner had Lot departed from the 
doomed city, than the Lord rained fire and brimstone 
upon Sodom and Gomorrah, utterly destroying them. 
Lot reached Zoar in safety, but his wife, who had dis- 
obeyed the command of the angel, and looked back upon 
the burning cities, was changed into a pillar of salt. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Birth of Isaac— The Trial of Abraham.— Death of 
Abraham. 

Pirth of Isaac. — The crowning joy in the life of Abra- 
ham was the birth of a son borne to him by his wife Sarah. 
Abraham called his son Isaac. "And Abraham initiated 
his son into the covenant, as God had commanded him. r/ 
But now a fresh trouble arose in the patriarch's tent. 
Sarah saw Ishmael, the son of Hagar, mocking. " Where- 
fore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman 
and her son ; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be 
heir with my son, even with Isaac." The next day Abra- 
ham gave unto Hagar bread and water, and unwillingly 
sent her forth, and she wandered about in the wilderness 
of Beer-sheba. And when the water was gone she prayed, 
"Let me not see the death of the child." And she lifted 
up her voice and wept. But God in His mercy heard her 
weeping and showed her a well of water, which was the 
means of saving her life and that of her son. 

At this period Abraham made a covenant of peace with 
Abimelech, king of the Philistines, at a place called Beer- 
sheba. 



THE CREATION TO DEATH OF JOSEPH 13 

Abraham's Trial. — Now God desired to prove his ser- 
vant Abraham, and therefore told him to proceed to the 
land of Moriah, and there on a hill to offer Isaac as a 
burnt- offering. Abraham, without a moment's hesita- 
tion, obeyed the word of God. He rose early in the morn- 
ing, and taking his only son, and some wood, set out for 
the place appointed. After three days' journey they 
arrived at the spot, and Abraham, having built an altar 
and arranged the wood, bound Isaac and laid him on 
the pile. While his hand, holding the knife, was stretched 
forth, an angel called to him from heaven, and said to him, 
"Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any- 
thing unto him, for now I know that thou fearest God, 
seeing that thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, 
from Me." Abraham, lifting up his eyes, saw a ram 
caught in a thicket by his horns, and Abraham offered the 
ram instead of Isaac. God blessed Abraham, saying, 
"In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; 
because thou hast obeyed My voice." 

Sarah died in Kirjath-Arbah, being one hundred and 
twenty-seven years old. She was buried in the cave of 
Machpelah in Hebron. 

Abraham and Eliezer. — Abraham was now old, and 
the Lord had blessed him in all things. He had one fear, 
lest Isaac should marry a daughter of a heathen family. 
So Abraham called unto him Eliezer, his chief servant, 
and made him swear that he should not take a wife for 
Isaac of the "daughters of the Canaanites." "But thou 
shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take 
a wife unto my son." But Eliezer said, perhaps the 
woman whom I select will not come hither. Then Abra- 
ham bade him trust that God would bring his desire to 
pass; and so the servant swore to do the command of his 
master. 

Eliezer, taking with him a goodly store of camels and 



14 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

presents, set out for the city of Nahor, in Mesopotamia. 
When he reached a well in the outskirts of the city, he 
prayed to God for direction, saying, that if any damsel 
came to the well and offered to draw water for himself 
and his camels, this should be a sign that the damsel 
was to be the future wife of Isaac. Scarcely had he fin- 
ished when Rebekah., the daughter of Bethuel, the son of 
Nahor, Abraham's brother, came to the well, and offered 
to draw water for Eliezer and his camels. The pious ser- 
vant offered thanks to God for His help ; and, after laying 
the nature of his errand before Bethuel the father, and 
Laban, the brother of Rebekah, they agreed to the pro- 
posal of Eliezer that Rebekah should become the wife of 
Isaac. But the damsel's consent had still to be obtained. 
They asked her, "Wilt thou go with this man?" and she 
said, " I will go." So the caravan set out on its homeward 
journey, and Rebekah became the wife of her cousin 
Isaac. 

Abraham died full of years, being one hundred and 
seventy-five years old. "And his sons, Isaac and Ish- 
mael, buried him in the cave of Machpelah." 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Life of Isaac. 

Esau and Jacob. — Isaac was forty years old when he 
married Rebekah. She bare him two sons, Esau and 
Jacob. " And the boys grew. Esau was a cunning hun- 
ter, a man of the field ; and Jacob was a plain man, dwell- 
ing in tents." Isaac loved his firstborn Esau, but 
Rebekah loved Jacob. One day, Jacob was cooking 
some lentils when his brother came home, tired and 
hungry, from hunting. Esau begged of Jacob a portion 
of the food. But Jacob would not give him any unless 



THE CREATION TO DEATH OF JOSEPH 15 

he received Esau's birthright in exchange. Esau agreed 
to this, and sold his birthright for a mess of pottage. 

A famine now broke out in the land, and to avoid it 
Isaac took up his abode in Gerar, in the land of the Phi- 
listines. He tilled the land and became very rich, having 
many flocks and herds and servants. The Philistines 
envied him, and stopped up all the wells of water that his 
father Abraham had dug. He, therefore, to avoid strife, 
left Gerar, and dwelt in the open plain. 

Esau, being now forty years of age, took unto himself 
two Hittite women for wives. This act caused great grief 
to Isaac and Rebekah. 

Jacob Obtains Isaac's Blessing.— When Isaac was 
old, his eyes grew dim, so that he could not see. He 
called unto him Esau, his elder son, and asked him to 
prepare a meal of venison, so that he might bless him 
before he died. Esau took his bow and arrows into the 
fields to slay a deer and bring it to his father. But 
Rebekah had overheard what passed, and being anxious 
that Jacob should receive the blessing, she called him 
and told him how he should act. She bade him go to the 
flocks and take two kids. These she would cook, and 
then Jacob was to take them to his father and thus re- 
ceive the blessing. Jacob was willing to obey his mother, 
but was afraid that his father might find him out if per- 
chance he felt him, for Esau was a hairy man, but Jacob's 
skin was smooth. Rebekah thereupon told him to put 
pieces of the skin of the kids upon his hands and neck, 
and dressed him in Esau's clothes. 

Thus prepared, Jacob carried the savoury meats to his 
father. And he said, "My father;" and he said, "Here 
am I, who art thou, my son?" And Jacob said unto his 
father, "I am Esau, thy firstborn; I have done according 
as thou badest me." And Isaac said, "How is it that 
thou hast found it so quickly, my son?" And he said. 



16 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

"Because the Lord, thy God, brought it to me." And 
Isaac said unto Jacob, "Come near, I pray thee, that I 
may feel thee, whether thou be my very son Esau, or not." 
And Jacob went near unto Isaac, his father; and-he felt 
him and said, "The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands 
are the hands of Esau." Having eaten of the food, Isaac 
blessed his son Jacob, praying God to give him the fatness 
of the earth, and plenty of wine and corn. "Let people 
serve thee, and nations bow down to thee. Cursed be 
every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that 
blesseth thee." 

And it came to pass, when Isaac had made an end of 
blessing Jacob, and Jacob had left his father's presence, 
that Esau returned from hunting, not knowing what had 
taken place during his absence. He hastened to prepare 
savory meat, and brought it to his father, begging Isaac to 
give him his blessing. And Isaac, his father, said unto 
him, " Who art thou ? " And he said, "I am thy son, thy 
firstborn, Esau." Isaac hearing these words, trembled 
very much, and told Esau that his brother had been there 
before him and had already received the blessing. Then 
Esau cried and begged so hard that at length his father 
blessed him also, telling him that he should live by the 
sword, but yet he should serve his brother, "and it shall 
come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, thou 
shalt break his yoke from off thy neck." 

Jacob's Flight. — Esau hated Jacob for depriving him 
of the blessing, and resolved to kill him after their father's 
death. This intention coming to Rebekah's ears, she 
advised Jacob to flee to the house of Laban, his uncle, in 
Haran, there to dwell until his brother's anger should 
have passed away. Before setting out, Jacob received 
his father's blessing, and the command not to marry a 
daughter of the Canaanites, but to take a wife of the 
daughters of Laban. 



THE CREATION TO DEATH OF JOSEPH 17 

■*-.-.. 

CHAPTER IX. 

Jacob. 

Jacob's Dream.— "And Jacob went out from Beer- 
sheba, and went toward Haran." At the end of his 
first day's journey he lay down to rest in the open plain, 
using a stone for his pillow. That night he had a dream. 
He saw a ladder stretching from earth to heaven, and 
angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And 
the Lord stood above it and said, "I am the Lord God of 
Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac; the land 
whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed." 
God further promised Jacob to protect him during his 
travels, and to bring him back to the country he was leav- 
ing. When Jacob awoke in the morning he was afraid, 
saying, "How dreadful is this place! this is none other 
than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." 
He anointed the stone, upon which he had slept, with oil, 
and called the place Beth-el (House of God). Jacob 
made a vow that the Lord should be his God, and that he 
would give to His service a tenth part of all his posses- 
sions. 

Jacob with Laban. — Jacob continued his journey till 
he reached a well in the land of Haran. While resting 
there, Rachel, one of the daughters of Laban, led a flock 
of sheep to the well to water them. Jacob made himself 
known to Rachel, and returned with her to her father's 
house. After dwelling there a month, Laban asked 
Jacob what wages he would desire for serving him. 
Now Laban had two daughters, Leah and Rachel. 
Rachel was beautiful, but Leah was not so well favored 
as her sister. Jacob loved Rachel, and told Laban that 
he would serve him seven years for her. Laban con- 
sented* At the end of the seven years he gave him Leah 



18 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

to be his wife instead of Rachel. Jacob, finding himself 
deceived, agreed to serve another seven years for Rachel. 
Zilpah and Bilhah, the handmaids of Leah and Rachel, 
were also given unto Jacob as wives. 

Leah bare unto Jacob six sons : Reuben, Simeon, Levi, 
Judah, Issachar and Zebulun, and one daughter Dinah. 
Zilpah bare him two sons, Gad arid Asher. Rachel was 
the mother of two sons, Joseph and Benjamin. Bilhah 
also had two sons, Dan and Naphtali. After the birth of 
Joseph, Jacob wished to return to his native land. But 
Laban was not willing to lose the services of so faithful a 
shepherd, and begged him to remain. Jacob agreed to 
stay with Laban on the condition that he was to receive 
as wages all the cattle, sheep, and goats, that were born 
speckled or spotted. Laban was quite willing that Jacob 
should stay on these terms, and found that his posses- 
sions increased under the watchful care of Jacob, his 
son-in-law. But Jacob prospered still more, and he 
had many maidservants, and menservants, and much 
cattle. 

Jacob Returns Home. — The sons of Laban grew 
jealous of Jacob's well-doing; they spoke against Jacob, 
saying that all he was worth rightly belonged to their 
father. These speeches had effect upon Laban, who 
began to look upon Jacob with disfavor. This made 
Jacob resolve to return at once to Canaan. He spoke 
to Leah and Rachel, and gaining their ready consent, 
took the opportunity of Laban's absence to carry out his 
intention. Placing his wives and children upon camels, 
and driving his large flocks and herds before him, he set 
out on his way homeward. Three days after, Laban 
heard of Jacob's flight. In hot haste he gathered his 
relations, and hurried after the patriarch, and came up 
with him at Mount Gilead, after seven days' pursuit. 
Jacob was in danger of the Syrian's anger, but the Lord 



THE CREATION TO DEATH OF JOSEPH 19 

appeared unto Laban, and warned him not to harm 
Jacob. When the two men met, harsh words passed be- 
tween them, but Jacob showed how for twenty years he 
had served Laban with faithfulness, although his wages 
had been changed many times. At length a covenant of 
peace was agreed upon, and a heap of stones set up as 
a witness, and called Galeed and Mizpah. Early next 
morning "Laban rose up and kissed his sons and his 
daughters, and blessed them, and Laban departed and 
returned to his place." 



CHAPTER X. 
Jacob (continued). 

Jacob Meets Esau. — Freed from one peril, Jacob had 
to face another. He was approaching the dwelling of 
his brother Esau, and dreaded the meeting which must 
take place. To calm his brother, he sent on servants in 
advance bearing a peaceful message. These returned 
soon with the dread tidings that Esau was marching 
toward him with four hundred men. Jacob was sore 
afraid, yet he set about calmly to make the best pre- 
parations he could. He divided his following into 
two camps, so that if Esau came upon one the other 
might escape. Then having offered up a fervent prayer 
to God, he prepared a rich present of sheep, goats, 
camels and kine, and sent them forward to meet his 
brother. 

That night after everything had been arranged, a 
strange event happened to Jacob. He was alone when 
a man appeared and wrestled with him till morning. 
The stranger, finding he could not prevail, struck Jacob 
in the hollow of his thigh and made him lame. Day 
breaking, the man wished to depart, but Jacob would 



20 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

not let him go till he 'had learned the stranger's 
name. He that wrestled with Jacob was no man, 
but an angel, and instead of telling his own name, he 
changed that of Jacob to ISRAEL (Prince of God), "for 
as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, 
and hast prevailed." The stranger blessed him and de- 
parted. 

The meeting between the brothers was now at hand. 
Jacob beholding Esau's approach went toward him, 
bowing to the ground seven times. But lo! instead of 
hate there was love, for "Esau ran to meet him, and 
embraced him, and fell upon his neck and kissed him; 
and they wept." And so the brothers were reconciled 
after their long separation. Soon after they parted. 
Esau, accepting Jacob's present, returned to the land of 
Seir, while Jacob, crossing the Jordan, travelled almost 
due west unto Succoth. He then journeyed to Shechem, 
where, having bought a piece of land, he pitched his tent 
and raised an altar to God. 

Death of Rachel. — But Jacob's wanderings were not 
yet finished. After clearing his camp of the idols his 
servants had brought with them, he set out and reached 
Beth-el, where he built an altar. Here the Lord appeared 
unto Jacob and confirmed his change of name. And 
God said :"Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a com- 
pany of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out 
of thy loins." Jacob, after a time, set out again from 
Beth-el, and when near Ephrath, Rachel, his beloved 
wife, died in giving birth to Benjamin, and was buried 
there on the way. Her grave exists to this day. At 
length Jacob reached Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac 
had sojourned. He found his father still alive, but 
Rebekah had gone to her rest. Here Isaac died at the 
age of one hundred and eighty years, and his sons Jacob 
and Esau buried him. 



THE CREATION TO DEATH OF JOSEPH 21 

CHAPTER XI. 
Joseph.— His Captivity in Egypt. 

Joseph's Dreams.— Of all Jacob's sons Joseph was 
the one whom he loved best, and, as a proof of his love, 
he made him a garment of many colors. But when the 
brethren saw this they hated Joseph, and could not speak 
peaceably to him. Joseph dreamed a dream and told it 
to his brethren. He thought they were all binding 
sheaves in the field, that his sheaf stood upright, while 
the sheaves of the brethren bowed down to it. Hearing 
this the brothers hated him still more. He dreamed again 
that the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down 
to him. He told the dream to his father and to his 
brethren, and his father rebuked him, saying, "Shall I 
and thy mother, and thy brethren bow down to thee?" 
And the brethren hated him still more. 

Joseph Sold into Egypt. — One day the brethren went 
to pasture their sheep in Shechem, and Jacob sent Joseph 
to inquire after their welfare. When Joseph arrived at 
Shechem, he found his brethren had gone on to Dothan, 
and he followed them there. Now, when the brethren 
saw Joseph approaching, they made up their minds to 
slay him, and cast him into a pit; and, to hide their sin, 
they resolved to tell their father that a wild beast had 
devoured him. But Reuben, more merciful than the 
others, tried to save him, and he persuaded the brothers 
not to kill Joseph, but merely to put him into a pit, with 
the intention of taking him out again when the others 
had gone away. First stripping Joseph of his coat of 
many colors, the brethren put him into a pit. Shortly 
after, a company of merchants passed by, going from 
Gilead to Egypt. Judah saw the means of saving his 
brother's life. He advised his brethren to sell Joseph as 



22 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

a slave to the merchants. Joseph was taken out of the 
pit, sold for twenty pieces of silver, and carried down to 
Egypt. 

Reuben, who had been absent for a time, now returned 
to the pit, and, finding Joseph was not there, he rent his 
clothes. The brethren then killed a goat, and dipping 
the coat of many colors into the blood, sent it to Jacob, 
saying, "this have we found." Jacob at once knew it 
as Joseph's garment; and thinking Joseph had been 
killed by a wild beast he rent his clothes, and clothed 
himself in sackcloth, and mourned for his son many 
days, and refused to be comforted. 

Joseph in Egypt. — On reaching Egypt, Joseph was 
sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, King of Egypt, 
and captain of his guard. The Jewish slave prospered 
in the house of his master, who soon made him overseer 
over his household. Shortly after, Joseph, although he 
had never done any wrong, fell into disgrace, and was 
thrown into the prison where the king's prisoners were 
bound. But even here he found favor, and was put in 
charge over his fellow-captives. 

It came to pass after these things, that the chief butler 
and the chief baker of the King of Egypt offended their 
master, and they were placed in the same prison with 
Joseph. They each dreamed a dream, and begged Joseph 
to explain them. Joseph replied that the explanation of 
dreams belonged to God, still he asked them to tell him 
their dreams. The butler dreamed he saw a vine, and 
the vine had three branches loaded with ripe grapes, 
and he pressed the juice into Pharaoh's cup which he 
held in his hand. And Joseph explained the dream to 
mean, that in three days the butler would be restored to 
his office and to the king's favor. Joseph begged the 
chief butler to think of him when restored to power, and 
to show his kindness by getting him released from prison. 



THE CREATION TO DEATH OF JOSEPH 23 

"For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the 
Hebrews; and here also have I done nothing that they 
should put me into the dungeon." 

The baker then spoke. He dreamed he had three 
white baskets on his head, and in the uppermost there 
were all kinds of bakemeats for Pharaoh, and the birds 
came down and ate them. Joseph explained the dream 
to mean that in three days the baker should be hanged, 
and the birds should eat his flesh. And it fell out as 
Joseph had foretold: the butler was restored to his office, 
and the baker was hanged. " Yet did not the chief butler 
remember Joseph, but forgat him." 



CHAPTER XII. 
Joseph in Egypt. 

Pharaoh's Dreams. — Two years passed. At the end 
of that time Pharaoh dreamed that he stood by the river. 
And there came up out of the river seven fat cows, and 
they fed in a meadow. Then there came up seven lean 
and ill-favored cows, who ate up the seven fat cows ; and 
Pharaoh awoke. He slept and dreamed a second time. 
This time he saw seven ears of good corn come up on one 
stalk. Then seven thin ears sprang up, and swallowed 
the seven good ears; and Pharaoh awoke. The next 
morning the king's spirit was troubled to know the mean- 
ing of his dreams. He sent for all the magicians and 
wise men of Egypt ; but none could explain them. 

Then the chief butler told Pharaoh that while in prison 
a Hebrew young man, servant to the captain of the guard, 
had interpreted his and the baker's dreams in a way that 
proved true. Pharaoh immediately ordered Joseph to 
be brought before him. The captive was hurried from 
prison into the presence of the mighty king, who told 



U MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

Joseph he had heard of his skill, and asked him to explain 
his dreams. But Joseph, with native modesty, replied, 
" It is not in me; God shall give unto Pharaoh an answer 
of peace." Pharaoh then related his dreams. 

Joseph told the king that his dreams were one, and 
that God had repeated them to show Pharaoh what He 
was shortly about to do. The dreams foretold that there 
were to be seven years of plenty in Egypt ; but that those 
seven years were to be followed by seven years of famine, 
so severe that they would cause the seven years of plenty 
to be forgotten. Joseph then advised the king to make 
good use of the years of plenty, by storing up an abun- 
dance of corn throughout Egypt. Pharaoh, struck with 
the wise counsel of Joseph, at once appointed him ruler 
over Egypt, second in power to himself alone. Pharaoh 
called Joseph by the Egyptian name of Zaphnath-paaneah 
and gave unto him as wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti- 
pherah, priest of On. She bare Joseph two sons, Manas- 
seh and Ephraim. Joseph was thirty years old when he 
explained Pharaoh's dreams. 

And now began the seven years of plenty. Joseph 
gathered up all the corn of Egypt " as the sand of the sea, 
and laid it up in storehouses." Then came the seven 
years of dearth over all the earth; but while the other 
nations suffered through the want of food, there was plenty 
of corn in Egypt. And they came into Egypt to Joseph 
to buy corn, " because that the famine was so sore in all 
lands." 

Joseph's Brethren in Egypt.— The famine was sore 
in Canaan also, and Jacob sent his ten sons to Egypt to 
buy corn, keeping Benjamin at home with himself. The 
brothers presented themselves in due course before 
Joseph, who knew them, but they knew him not. Joseph 
resolved to try his brothers. He therefore spoke harshly 
to them, and called them spies. In vain the brothers told 



THE CREATION TO DEATH OF JOSEPH 25 

the Egyptian ruler that they were honest men only come 
to buy corn, and that they had left their youngest brother 
at home. Joseph pretended not to listen to them; but, 
at last, to prove them, he told them to send for their 
brother. After placing them in prison three days, he 
allowed them to depart, keeping Simeon as a hostage for 
their return. Joseph always spoke in Egyptian before 
his brothers, and, as they could not understand that 
tongue, an interpreter had to be employed. But the 
brothers spoke to each other in Hebrew; and when 
Reuben blamed his brethren, saying that this evil had 
come upon them through their ill-treatment of Joseph, 
the latter, who of course understood what they were say- 
ing, could scarcely restrain his tears. 

Joseph provided his brothers with a good supply of 
corn, and placing their purchase-money in their sacks, 
sent them on their way. On their return Jacob was filled 
with grief. He had lost Joseph and Simeon, too, he 
feared, but he would not part with Benjamin. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Joseph in Egypt {continued). 

Benjamin Sent to Egypt. — The famine, however, grew 
more severe in Canaan. The corn the brothers had 
brought back with them was nearly all gone. Jacob 
again bade them go to Egypt for more. But the brothers 
hung back. How could they face the lord of Egypt un- 
less Benjamin were with them? Then Judah, the fore- 
most of the brethren, entreated the aged patriarch to part 
with Benjamin, saying, "I will be surety for him; if I 
bring him not unto thee, then let me bear the blame for 
ever." At length Jacob yielded to the pleadings of 
Judah. He prepared a present for the ruler of Egypt, 



26 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

and sent double money to pay for both supplies of corn. 
He also gave Benjamin into their charge; and, praying 
to God to guard them all, sent them on their journey. 

The brethren again stood before Joseph, who invited 
them to a feast in his palace. They were troubled in 
mind, for they did not understand why the ruler of Egypt 
should appear to take such interest in them. They 
sought the steward of the Viceroy's house, and explained 
to him how they had found the purchase-money in their 
sacks when returning to Canaan. This money they had 
brought again, besides other money to buy food. The 
steward bade them fear not, and restored Simeon unto 
them. In the evening Joseph received them at a feast. 
He anxiously asked of the brothers if their father was 
alive. Seeing Benjamin, his true brother, his firmness 
gave way. His heart yearned toward him, and he was 
obliged to shed in secret the tears that gushed from his 
eyes. 

Joseph's Cup. — The next day Joseph ordered his 
stewards to supply the brothers with the corn they re- 
quired, to put each man's money into his sack, and to 
place his silver cup in the sack of Benjamin. The brothers 
set out on their journey homeward. They had not gone 
far when the steward overtook them, and accused them 
of stealing his lord's silver cup. The brothers, knowing 
nothing of the matter, declared they were innocent of the 
charge made against them, and even went so far as to 
say, that if the cup should be found in the possession of 
any one of them, he should be put to death, while the 
others should become slaves. But the steward replied 
that he would be content that the culprit should be made 
a slave, while the others should be blameless. Then the 
sacks were opened, and the cup was found in Benja- 
min's sack. The brothers rent their garments with grief, 
and at once returned to Egypt. Joseph blamed them for 



THE CREATION TO DEATH OF JOSEPH 27 

their ingratitude. The brothers threw themselves upon 
the earth, and could speak no word. 

Then Judah, who had made himself answerable for 
the safety of Benjamin, in most pathetic words, begged 
that Benjamin might be spared. He said that their 
father was unwilling to let Benjamin go down to Egypt, 
and that should the brethren return without him, the old 
man would die of grief. He explained that he himself 
had become surety for his brother's safe return; and how, 
he asked, can I return to my father, "and the lad be not 
with us, seeing his life is bound up in the lad's life." He 
offered, therefore, to become the Viceroy's servant, so that 
Benjamin might return to his aged father. 

Joseph Reveals Himself.— Joseph, overcome by these 
moving words, could no longer restrain himself. He 
ordered all strangers to withdraw; then, bursting into 
tears, he told the brothers that he was Joseph. The 
brothers drew back in dismay, remembering how cruelly 
they had treated him. But Joseph lovingly brought them 
unto him; spoke words of peace and of comfort to 
them; and told them that all they did was for the best. 
True, they had sold him into Egypt'; but by that very act 
many thousands of persons had been saved alive. Then 
he wept over Benjamin, and kissed all his brothers. 
Loading them with presents, and sending numerous 
wagons with them, he bade them return to Canaan, and 
bring his father and their families down to Egypt. A 
joyous journey was that. They came to their father, 
Jacob, and told him how they had found Joseph ruler 
over Egypt. "And Israel said, It is enough, Joseph my 
son is yet alive, I will go and see him before I die." 

Jacob in Egypt. — Jacob, his sons, and all their house- 
holds, set out on their way to Egypt. Arriving at Beer- 
sheba, God appeared unto the patriarch and assured him 
of His protection. At length they reached that part of 



28 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

Egypt called Goshen, which had been set apart for them. 
Here, at length, after twenty-two years' separation, father 
and son were again united. 

The patriarch and his family numbered in all seventy 
souls. 

Pharaoh had given a willing consent to all that Joseph 
had done with regard to his family. Desiring to see the 
patriarch, Joseph brought his father, then 130 years 
old, into the presence of the king, and Jacob blessed 
PharaoL. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Death of Jacob and of Joseph. 

Jacob's Blessings and Death.— Jacob's- life was now 
drawing to an end. Joseph, always a good son, visited 
his father, taking Manasseh and Ephraim with him. 
These Jacob blessed, laying his right hand on Ephraim, 
the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh, the elder. 
He also blessed Joseph. Jacob then called all his sons 
around him and blessed them. Jacob commanded his 
sons to bury him in the cave of Machpelah; then, yield- 
ing up his spirit, he was gathered unto his people. He 
had lived one hundred and forty- seven years. 

"And Joseph fell upon his father's face, and wept upon 
him, and kissed him." The body was then embalmed 
and carried up to Canaan, amid a great assemblage of 
mourners, Israelites and Egyptians. They buried the 
patriarch in the cave of Machpelah, having mourned for 
him seven days. Joseph and his brethren then returned 
to Egypt, where they lived in perfect peace and love. 

Joseph's Death. — Joseph felt life drawing to a close. 
Calling his brethren around him, he reminded them of 
God's promise to bring them out of Egypt into the land 
"which He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and to Jacob." 



THE CREATION TO DEATH OF JOSEPH 29 

Joseph then made his brethren swear that, when their 
descendants left Egypt, they should carry his bones up 
with them to Canaan. "So Joseph died, being an hun- 
dred and ten years old ; and they embalmed him, and he 
was put in a coffin in Egypt." 

QUESTIONS. 



Chapter I. — Who created the world? What did God create on the 
first day? What on the second day? On the third, fourth, fifth and 
sixth days ? In whose image was man created ? Why did God bless the 
seventh day ? Where did God place man ? Of what tree was Adam for- 
bidden to eat ? What name did Adam give to his wife ? Did they obey 
the commandment of God ? What was their punishment ? 

Chapter II. — Who were Cain and Abel ? What was the occupation of 
each of them? Why did Cain kill his brother Abel? How did Cain 
answer God when asked where Abel was? How was his sin punished? 
Of whom was Lamech the descendant ? What were the names of La- 
mech's sons ? For what were they distinguished ? Who was Seth ? How 
many generations from Adam to Noah? Why did God bring a flood 
upon the earth? Whom did He allow to live? What were the dimen- 
sions of the ark? What did Noah take into the ark with him? Who 
were Noah's three sons? On what mountain did the ark rest? After 
how many days were the waters of the flood abated? How did Noah 
know when the ground was dry ? What promise did God make to Noah ? 
By what token was the promise confirmed? When was man permitted 
to eat flesh and with what restrictions? Which two crimes were then 
forbidden by God ? Were all of Noah's sons righteous men ? Which of 
them did he bless ? How old was Noah when he died ? 

Chapter III. — What makes the tenth chapter of Genesis so very im- 
portant ? Where did the descendants of Noah settle ? What nations de- 
scended from Shem? Who were the descendants of Ham? Give the 
names of Japheth's descendants. What did the people commence to 
build, and for what purpose? Where was Babel, and what does it 
mean? How were the people prevented from building the Tower of 
Babel ? How many generations from Shem to Abraham ? 

Chapter IV. — What were the names of Terah's sons? Whose son was 
Lot ? Who was Abram's wife ? Whom did Abram take with him on his 
journey? Give the name of Abram's native place? How was Abram 



30 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

related to Lot? Whither did Abram go? What is meant by calling 
upon the name of the Lord? Who first taught the belief in one true 
God ? Why did Abram and Lot separate ? What did Abram say to Lot 
when their herdsmen quarrelled ? Where did Lot afterward dwell ? 

Chapter V. — With whom did the people of Sodom have a battle ? By 
whom was Lot rescued? Name the three princes who assisted Abram 
in his rescue of Lot. Who met Abram on his return and blessed him ? 
What did Abram do with the captured spoil? Relate the details of 
Abram's vision. 

Chapter VI. — Who was Abram's first son, and of whom was he born ? 
What promises did God make to Abram ? Why was his name changed 
to Abraham ? Sarai to Sarah ? How did Abraham show his hospitality ? 
What did Abraham's visitors promise him? Give an account of Abra- 
ham's intercession for Sodom. Why did the Lord destroy Sodom and 
Gomorrah ? How was Lot saved ? 

Chapter VII. — Who was Isaac? Why were Hagar and Ishmael cast 
out? With whom did Abraham make a covenant of peace? How did 
God try Abraham's faith and obedience? In what place was Abraham 
commanded to sacrifice his son? What prevented the sacrifice? At 
what age did Sarah die, and where was she buried ? What did Abraham 
ask of his servant Eliezer? Where did Eliezer go? What did Eliezer 
pray for? Who was Rebekah? What was the name of her brother? 
What was Abraham's age at his death? Where and by whom was he 
buried ? 

Chapter VIII. — Who were Isaac and Rebekah's children? Name 
Isaac's firstborn. Who sold his birthright? Why did Isaac leave 
Gerar? How did Rebekah obtain Isaac's blessing for Jacob? How did 
Jacob deceive his father ? What was the result of the deception ? Whither 
was Jacob sent ? What was his relationship to Laban ? 

Chapter IX. — What was Jacob's vision at Beth-el? How did Jacob 
act when he awoke ? What is the meaning of Beth -el, and what was its 
name before? What was Jacob's vow? What wages did Jacob ask of 
Laban? How many daughters of Laban did he marry, and what were 
their names? Name the children of Jacob? Why did Jacob leave La- 
ban ? How long did he remain with him ? How did Jacob acquire the 
name of Israel ? What is the meaning of Israel ? 

Chapter X. — How did Jacob and Esau become reconciled ? At whose 
birth did Rachel die, and where was she buried ? When, where, and at 
what age did Isaac die ? 

Chapter XI. — Why was Joseph hated by his brothers? Narrate his 
dreams. Which of his brothers interceded for his life? To whom was 
Joseph sold ? What did the brothers tell concerning Joseph ? What be- 



THE CREATION TO DEATH OF JOSEPH 31 

came of Joseph ? How came Joseph to be put into prison ? What was 
the dream of Pharaoh's butler, and Joseph's interpretation ? What was 
the baker's dream, and how was it interpreted? Was Joseph immedi- 
ately remembered by the butler ? 

Chapter XII. — What was Pharaoh's first dream ? What did he dream 
the second time? By whom and how were these dreams interpreted? 
How did Pharaoh reward Joseph? Whom did Joseph marry? What 
were the names of his sons? How many of Joseph's brothers came to 
buy corn ? How did Joseph act toward his brothers, and why ? Which 
of the brothers remained imprisoned? What did Joseph do with the 
money which his brothers paid ? For whom did Joseph so anxiously in- 
quire ? 

Chapter XIII. — In whose sack was Joseph's cup found? What did 
Judah say to Joseph ? Why did he wish to stay as a bondman, instead of 
Benjamin ? What did Joseph then do ? When Jacob heard that Joseph 
was alive, what did he resolve to do? Where did Jacob and his sons 
settle, and how many were in the family ? How old was Jacob when he 
stood before Pharaoh ? 

Chapter XIV. — What was Jacob's last act? How old was Jacob at 
his death ? Where was he buried ? What was Joseph's age at his death ? 
Where was he buried ? What oath did his brothers take ? 



PART II. 

FROM THE DEATH OF JOSEPH TO THE DEATH 
OF MOSES. 

CHAPTER I. 

Oppression of the Israelites in Egypt.— The Call of 

Moses. 

The Israelites in Bondage.— After the death of 
Joseph and all his brethren, and all that generation, the 
children of Israel increased so much that the land was 
filled with them. Now there arose a new king over 
Egypt, who knew not Joseph. Fearing that the Israelites 
might in time become mightier than the Egyptians, he 
resolved to deal "wisely" with them. So he set over 
them taskmasters to afflict them, and they built treasure 
cities for Pharaoh — viz., Pithom and Raamses. But the 
more the Israelites were afflicted the more they grew; so 
the Egyptians increased their burdens, and made their 
lives bitter with hard bondage. To stop the increase in 
their numbers, Pharaoh ordered all the new-born male 
children among the Israelites to be put to death, while 
the daughters might be saved alive. 

Moses. — Now Amram, of the tribe of Levi, had taken 
to wife Jochebed, also of the same tribe. Two children, 
Miriam and Aaron, had been born unto them. Shortly 
after Pharaoh's cruel edict, Jochebed gave birth to an- 
other son ; and seeing he was a goodly child, she hid him 



THE LIFE OF MOSES 33 

for three months. When she could no longer hide him, 
she made a little basket of bulrushes, and smearing it 
with pitch, placed the infant in it, and laid it among the 
reeds of the Nile. Miriam placed herself a little way off 
to see what would happen. Presently, the daughter of 
the King of Egypt came down to bathe. Seeing the little 
basket, she had it brought to her. "When she had 
opened it, she saw the child : and behold the babe wept. 
And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of 
the Hebrews' children." At this moment, Miriam came 
forward and offered to find a nurse for the infant. Phar- 
aoh's daughter consented, and the child was placed in 
the care of its own mother. The child grew, and he be- 
came unto Pharaoh's daughter as her son, and she called 
his name Moses, because "She drew him out of the 
water." 

Moses, thus reared in the king's palace, reached man- 
hood; but, though he was trained at the royal court, he 
kept up a close intimacy with his oppressed brethren. 
One day he saw an Egyptian smiting an Israelite. In 
righteous anger he slew the tyrant, and hid the body in 
the sand. Shortly after he saw two Israelites quarrelling. 
He wished to make peace between them ; but the wrong- 
doer cried out, "Who made thee a prince and a judge over 
us ? Intendest thou to kill me, as thou killedst the 
Egyptian?" Moses, finding that the thing was known, 
and also that the king was seeking his life, fled eastward 
round the head of the Gulf of Suez to the land of Midian, 
in Arabia. Resting by a well, he helped some shepherd- 
esses to water their flocks. They proved to be the 
daughters of Jethro, priest of Midian. Moses dwelled 
with Jethro, and took his daughter Zipporah to wife. 
And she bare him two sons, Gershon and Eliezer. Moses 
was forty years old when he fled to Midian. 

In course of time, the King of Egypt died. This event 
3 



34 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

brought no relief to the oppressed children of Israel. 
Their burdens grew heavier, and they cried to God "by 
reason of their bondage. And God heard their groaning; 
and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with 
Isaac, and with Jacob." 

Call of Moses.— Moses kept the flock of Jethro, and 
one day he led them to the mountain of God, toward 
Horeb. And an angel of God appeared unto him in a 
burning bush, and he looked and behold the bush burned 
with fire and yet was not consumed. The Lord spake 
unto Moses from the bush, saying that He had seen the 
affliction of the children of Israel in Egypt, and had come 
down to deliver them and to bring them to the promised 
land of Canaan. Furthermore God announced to Moses 
that He had chosen him to lead his brethren out of Egypt. 
But Moses, who was the meekest of men, did not wish to 
undertake this great work, and tried to make excuses. 
But God commanded him to obey. Moses still held 
back, but God gave him two signs to show unto the Israel- 
ites, should they doubt the divine mission of Moses : first, 
the rod that was in Moses's hand was changed into a 
serpent ; and secondly, the hand of Moses became leprous 
and immediately afterward healed again by merely thrust- 
ing it into his bosom. Moses made one more appeal : he 
complained that he was not fit to plead with Pharaoh be- 
cause he was not eloquent. The Lord replied that Aaron, 
who could speak well, should go with him and should be 
his spokesman. Moses then yielded. He and his house- 
hold at once returned to Egypt. 

Moses and Aaron gathered their brethren together, and 
told them that the hour of deliverance was at hand. And 
the people believed, and they bowed their heads and 
worshipped the Lord. 



THE LIFE OF MOSES 35 

CHAPTER II. 
The Ten Plagues.— The Redemption from Egypt. 

The Plagues. — Moses and Aaron at length stood be- 
fore Pharaoh, and gave him God's message. But the 
proud-hearted king scoffed at them, saying "Who is the 
Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I 
know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go." The only 
result that followed was that the lot of the Israelites grew 
worse, for now they were not given straw to mix with the 
clay of their bricks. So they were compelled to seek for 
straw and yet to make the same number of bricks as 
before. The Egyptian taskmasters also reviled Moses 
and Aaron, saying that they hindered their brethren from 
working. Moses complained to the Lord that since he 
had spoken to Pharaoh the burden of His people had been 
increased. God reassured him and bade him go again 
to Pharaoh and show him the sign that God had sent him. 
Moses was now eighty years old, and Aaron eighty-three. 

The brothers once more stood before Pharaoh and de- 
manded the release of their brethren. Aaron, to show 
that God had sent them, threw down his rod, which was 
instantly changed into a serpent. Pharaoh's magicians, 
upon this, threw down their rods, and they were also 
changed into serpents, but Aaron's rod swallowed their 
rods. Pharaoh still would not hearken, and God sent 
ten plagues upon the Egyptians. They were: i, The 
water of the rivers and ponds turned into blood ; 2, Frogs ; 
3, Lice; 4, Flies; 5, Murrain; 6, Boils; 7, Hail; 8, 
Locusts; 9, Darkness; 10, Slaughter of the firstborn. 

The Passover. — Before the last plague was brought 
upon the Egyptians, God instituted the Passover. The 
month of Nisan, or Oviv (green ears), was made the first 
month of the year. On the tenth day of that month the 



36 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

head of every Jewish family was to select a lamb of the 
first year without blemish. This was to be kept till the 
evening of the fourteenth day and then killed. The blood 
was to be taken and sprinkled on the door-posts of the 
houses ; while the body of the lamb was to be roasted and 
eaten. The blood upon the houses was to be for a sign, 
so that the destroying angel should pass over those houses 
when he smote the firstborn of Egypt. The anniversary 
of that event was to be observed through all time by the 
eating of unleavened bread. 

The Exodus. — The children of Israel were ordered to 
prepare to leave Egypt at a moment's notice. The night 
arrived when God's final judgment was to take effect upon 
the stubborn king and his people. At midnight a cry 
arose throughout all Egypt, for God had smitten all the 
firstborn, "from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his 
throne, unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the 
dungeon." Pharaoh, calling hastily for Moses and 
Aaron, begged them to depart at once with the children 
of Israel. The Egyptians also pressed them to go. The 
Israelites at once set out on their journey, taking with 
them the dough they were preparing for bread before it 
was leavened — "their kneading troughs being bound up 
in their clothes on their shoulders." The Egyptians 
loaded their former slaves with many presents, "jewels of 
silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment." 

Thus came to an end the four hundred and thirty years 
foretold to Abraham as the period during which his de- 
scendants should dwell in a strange land, and thus was 
the nation whom the Israelites had served "judged by 
the Lord." 

The Israelites, to the number of six hundred thousand 
men, and probably three times as many more women 
and children, setting out from Raamses, marched in 
an easterly direction to Succoth. The nearest way to 



THE LIFE OF MOSES 37 

Canaan would have been along the shores of the Mediter- 
ranean Sea and through Philistia. But God would not 
let his people take that route, as they, from their long 
servitude, were not fit to cope with the warlike Philistines. 
Moses, not unmindful of the oath exacted by Joseph, car- 
ried the patriarch's bones up with him. For forty years 
they were borne by the Israelites through all their wander- 
ings, until they found a final resting-place in the Holy 
Land. 

From Succoth they journeyed still eastward to Ethan 
in the wilderness. "And the Lord went before them by 
day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by 
night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day 
and night. " 

CHAPTER III. 

Passage of the Red Sea.— Battle with the Amalekites. 

The Red Sea. — The children of Israel now resumed 
their march in a southeasterly direction, and reaching the 
head of the Gulf of Suez, an arm of the Red Sea, en- 
camped near Migdal. It had taken them three days to 
reach the sea. Pharaoh, already repenting that he had 
let the Israelites go, collected his army, and, with all the 
chariots of Egypt, set out in hot pursuit. The Israelites, 
finding themselves between the Egyptians and the im- 
passable sea, were sore afraid and cried out unto God. 
But the Lord bade them be of good cheer. "The Lord 
shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." 
Then, causing a strong east wind to blow, God divided 
the waters of the Red Sea. "And the children of Israel 
went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground : and 
the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and 
on their left." The Egyptians pursued the Israelites; 
but, while they were in the midst, God caused the waters 



S8 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

to return to their place; so the whole host of Egypt was 
drowned. Then Moses and the children of Israel sang a 
song of thanks to God, " saying, I will sing unto the Lord, 
for he hath triumphed gloriously : the horse and his rider 
hath he thrown into the sea." Miriam and the women, 
taking timbrels, answered the joyous song. 

The Israelites Enter the Desert. — Journeying south, 
down the eastern side of the Gulf of Suez, the Israelites 
entered the wilderness of Shur, and they marched three 
days without finding water. Reaching Marah they found 
water, but it was too bitter to drink; but Moses pointed 
out a tree to them, which, being cast into the water, made 
it fit for use. Going still southward they reached Elim, 
which abounded in wells and palm-trees, and encamped 
there. On leaving Elim they entered the wilderness of 
Sin on the fifteenth day of the second month after they left 
Egypt. Here the children of Israel murmured against 
Moses and Aaron, saying, "Would to God we had died by 
the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat 
by the flesh-pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; 
for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill 
this whole assembly with hunger." 

In answer to this cry, God caused large numbers of 
quails to come up round the camp every evening. He 
also rained down manna from heaven for forty years 
until the people entered the land of Canaan. Each man 
was told to gather every morning as much manna as he 
required for his family. None 01 it was to be left for the 
next day. On the sixth day, however, a double portion 
was to be gathered, to serve for that day and the Sabbath, 
for none was to be found on the seventh day. At the 
same time the children of Israel were commanded to 
bake and seethe on the sixth day the food intended 
to be eaten on the Sabbath. God commanded Moses 
to fill an omer measure with manna, and to save it as a 



THE LIFE OF MOSES 89 

memorial of the way in which He fed His people in the 
desert. 

Journeying still south and east, the children of Israel 
reached Rephidim, and encamped there. Finding no 
water to drink the people quarrelled with Moses, saying, 
" Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of 
Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with 
thirst." The Lord hereupon told Moses to take his rod 
and to smite a rock out of which water should flow. 
Moses did so, and called the place Massah and Meribah, 
meaning "temptation and strife." 

Battle with the Amalekites. — While still at Rephidim 
the Israelites were attacked by the Amalekites, who were 
descended from Esau, and who dwelt in the south of 
Canaan, and in Arabia Petraea. Moses ordered Joshua 
to choose out men to fight with Amalek, while he himself 
would stand on the top of a hill with the rod of God in his 
hand. Joshua led the fighting men of Israel against the 
enemy, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of 
the hill. " And it came to pass, when Moses held up his 
hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his 
hand Amalek prevailed." The hands of Moses, growing 
weary, Aaron and Hur held them up until the going down 
of the sun. Joshua defeated the Amalekites with great 
slaughter. Moses built an altar and called it "Adonai- 
nissi," meaning "God is my banner." 



CHAPTER IV. 

The Decalogue. 

The Israelites at Sinai.— While Moses was pleading 
the cause of God's people before Pharaoh, he had sent 
back Zipporah, his wife, and his two sons, Gershom and 
Eliezer, to their native land. But when Jethro, the father- 



40 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

in-law of Moses, heard of all that the Lord had done for 
Israel, and how the Lord had brought His people out of 
Egypt, he took his daughter and her children and travelled 
to where the Israelites were encamped. Jethro, although 
he was the priest of a strange religion, "rejoiced for all the 
goodness which the Lord had done for Israel;" and he 
praised the God of Israel, saying, "Now I know that the 
Lord is greater than all gods." 

Seeing how difficult was Moses's task in ruling and 
judging the whole people, Jethro advised him to choose 
out of the tribes able and righteous men to share the work. 
Moses took the wise advice of Jethro, and chose able men, 
who judged the people, "the hard causes they brought to 
Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves. 
And Moses let his father-in-law depart; and he went his 
way into his own land." 

Breaking up their camp, the Israelites again travelled 
in a southeastern direction, till they reached the foot of 
Mount Sinai. This was in the third month of their going 
forth from the land of Egypt. And now the Lord com- 
manded Moses to prepare the people for the greatest event 
in their history — the giving of the ten commandments on 
Mount Sinai. Three days were allowed to the people to 
get themselves ready for this most important event. The 
Israelites were told to sanctify themselves and to forbear 
going up the Mount, or even drawing near to it. "And 
it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there 
were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the 
Mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud, so 
that all the people that was in the camp trembled." The 
Lord coming down in His glory on the top of the Mount, 
spoke those words which form the basis not only of Juda- 
ism, but of every civilized form of religion : 

I. I am the Lord thy God, who has brought thee out of the land of 
Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 



THE LIFE OF MOSES 41 

II. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make 
unto thyself any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in 
heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under 
the earth. Thou shalt not bow thyself down to them, nor serve them, 
for I, the Lord thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the 
fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generations of them 
that hate me; and showing kindness unto the thousandth generation of 
them that love me, and keep my commandments. 

III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for 
the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain. 

IV. Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, 
and do all thy work. But the seventh day is the Sabbath in honor of the 
Lord thy God; on it thou shalt not do any work, neither thou, nor thy son, 
nor thy daughter,, nor thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy 
cattle, nor the stranger that is within thy gate. For in six days the Lord 
made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested 
on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hal- 
lowed it. 

V. Honor thy father and thy mother in order that thy days may be pro- 
longed upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 

VI. Thou shalt not kill. 

VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

VIII. Thou shalt not steal. 

IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. 

X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor 
his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neigh- 
bor's. (Exodus XX. 2-14.) 

Moses on the Mount. — When the people heard the 
thundering and saw the lightning they were afraid, and 
stood afar off; but Moses drew near unto the thick dark- 
ness where God was. He remained on the top of the 
mountain for forty days and forty nights, while God 
showed him all the laws he should teach the children of 
Israel. God also gave Moses full directions as to the 
building and erection of the tabernacle, the form and ma- 
terial of the holy vessels, and of the priestly robes, etc. 
The three important festivals of the year — viz., Pesach, 
the feast of unleavened bread; Shabuoth, the feast of 
the harvest; and Succoth, the feast of the ingathering 



42 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

at the end of the year — were also appointed. At the end 
of the forty days, God gave unto Moses "two tables of 
testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of 
God." 

CHAPTER V. 

The Golden Calf.— The Tabernacle. 

The Golden Calf.— When the people found that Moses 
delayed coming down from the Mount, they grew uneasy ; 
and going in a body to Aaron, they said, "Make us gods 
which shall go before us , for as for this Moses, the man 
that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not 
what is become of him." Aaron commanded them to 
bring him the golden ornaments of their wives and 
daughters. With these he made a molten calf, probably 
like those he had seen worshipped in Egypt. When the 
people saw it they cried out, " These be thy gods, O Israel, 
which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt." Aaron 
built an altar before it and proclaimed a feast. And 
the people rose up early in the morning and offered 
burnt-offerings, and ate and drank, and rose up to 
play. 

And the Lord commanded Moses to go down at once 
to the people who had so quickly turned aside from the 
right path, and had already begun to worship idols. 
" And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, 
and behold it is a stiff-necked people. Now, therefore, 
let Me alone, that My wrath may wax hot against them, 
and that I may consume them; and I will make of thee 
a great nation." But Moses begged and entreated the 
Lord to spare the people whom He had brought out of 
Egypt with such mighty wonders. He prayed the Lord 
to remember His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, 
that their descendants should inherit the promised land 



THE LIFE OF MOSES 43 

forever. The prayers of Moses prevailed, and the Lord 
spared the people who had sinned so grievously. 

The People Punished. — Then Moses turned and went 
down the Mount, and the two tables of stone were in his 
hands. But when he came nigh unto the camp and saw 
the calf and the dancing, his wrath waxed hot, and he 
threw the two tables down and broke them. Moses 
severely blamed Aaron for his share in the people's sin. 
Taking the calf, he burnt it in the fire, and ground it to 
powder, and strewing the dust upon the water, made the 
children of Israel drink of it. Then he issued a com- 
mand that all who were on the Lord's side should come 
to him. The sons of Levi at once gathered themselves 
to him. And now a terrible punishment was to befall 
the wrongdoers. Moses, in the name of God, ordered 
the Levites to take their swords and to pass through the 
camp, slaying the sinners, and not sparing brother or 
friend. The children of Levi obeyed Moses, and slew of 
their brethren about three thousand men. 

God's Attributes. — The Lord commanded Moses to 
hew two tablets of stone like the first, upon which God 
would write the Ten Commandments. Moses prepared 
the tables, and the following day he went up with them 
to the top of Sinai. "And the Lord descended in the 
cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the 
name of the Lord." "The Lord, the Lord God, merci- 
ful and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in goodness 
and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving in- 
iquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no 
means clear the guilty ; visiting the iniquity of the fathers 
upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto 
the third and to the fourth generation." Moses hearing 
God thus speak, bowed down and worshipped. 

After another sojourn of forty days, Moses came down 
a second time from the Mount bearing the tables with 



44 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

him, when his face shone with the glory of God. Moses 
ever after wore a veil over his face, save when he was 
speaking to the people. 

Building of the Tabernacle.— Moses told the people 
to bring free-will offerings for the construction of the 
Tabernacle. They willingly brought offerings of gold 
and silver, and brass, and precious stones; fabrics of blue 
and purple and scarlet, and dyed skins of the goat, the 
ram, and the badger; oil for the light, and spices for the 
incense. All the skilled men gave their services to make 
the various parts of the tabernacle. "And all the 
women that were wise-hearted did spin with their hands 
and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and 
of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen." The chief 
direction of the work was given to Bezaleel, of the tribe 
of Judah, and Aholiab, of the tribe of Dan. 

When all things were prepared, Moses set up the 
tabernacle on the first day of the first month of the sec- 
ond year from the going out from Egypt. Having erected 
the walls and arranged the coverings and the hangings, 
he set the altars, the laver, the candlestick, the ark, and 
the mercy-seat in their appointed places. Then a cloud 
covered the tent of the congregation, "and the glory of 
the Lord filled the tabernacle." 



CHAPTER VI. 

The Priesthood.— The Elders. 

Aaron the High Priest. — The work of setting up the 
tabernacle having been finished, the Lord appointed 
Aaron and his sons to be priests, to minister in the service 
of the Most High. Aaron was made "High Priest," and 
very important duties with regard to sacrifices and public 
worship were allotted to him. On the day of his appoint- 






THE LIFE OF MOSES 45 

ment a dreadful misfortune overtook him. Two of his 
sons, Nadab and Abihu, took their censers and offered 
incense before the Lord, "which He had commanded 
them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and 
devoured them, and they died." Aaron mourned the 
death of his sons. "Then Moses said unto Aaron, This 
is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in 
them that come nigh unto Me, and before all the people 
I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace." 

The People Numbered. — On the first day of the sec- 
ond month of the second year of the coming out from 
Egypt, God commanded Moses to number the men of 
Israel, " after their families, by the house of their fathers." 
Those only were to be numbered who were twenty years 
old, and able to bear arms. The number proved to be 
603,550. The tribe of Levi was not included in this 
census, but was counted separately. It contained 22,000 
males of the age of a month and upward. The tribes 
varied greatly; the largest, Judah, containing 74,600 men 
fit for war; the smallest, Manasseh, 32,200. 

The order in which the Israelites were to march in the 
desert, was also settled by Divine command. The division 
led by Judah, and which included Issachar and Zebulun, 
was to march first. It numbered 186,400 men. Their 
place in camp was toward the east. Next came the 
division of Reuben, with whom were joined Simeon and 
Gad. It numbered 151,450. Their place in camp was 
on the south. Then came the Levites, bearing the tab- 
ernacle, and all its sacred vessels. Next followed the 
division of Ephraim, which included Manasseh and Ben- 
jamin, and consisted of 108,100 men. These camped on 
the west. Lastly marched the division of Dan, together 
with Asher and Naphtali, to the number of 157,600. 
They pitched their camp on the north. So guarded, the 
tabernacle was carried through the wilderness. 



46 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

The Camp Broken Up.— Moses had now prepared the 

people in every way for their long and toilsome journey 
through the desert, and had tried to persuade his father- 
in-law, Jethro, who had returned to him, to accompany 
them and act as guide. At length, on the twentieth day 
of the second month, the cloud floated from off the 
tabernacle, as a sign that they were to depart. So they 
broke up their camp, and travelled for three days in the 
wilderness of Paran. "And it came to pass, when the 
ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, O Lord, and 
let thine enemies be scattered ; and let them that hate thee 
flee before thee. And when it rested, he said, Return, O 
Lord, unto the many thousands of Israel." 

The People Murmur. — The mixed multitude who 
travelled with the children of Israel longed for meat to 
eat, and the Israelites also wept, saying, "Who shall'give 
us flesh to eat?" They called to mind all the pleasant 
things they had enjoyed in Egypt, and complained that 
they had nothing to eat but manna. And the anger of 
the Lord was kindled against the people; Moses also was 
displeased. The divinely appointed leader broke down 
under this fresh proof of his people's wickedness. In 
touching words he craved permission to lay down the 
burden which he could no longer carry. "I am not able 
to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for 
me." 

The Lord hearkened to the cry of his faithful servant, 
and told him to choose "seventy men of the elders of 
Israel and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congrega- 
tion ; and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and 
will put it upon them ; and they shall bear the burden of 
the people with thee, that thou bearest not thyself 
alone." God further said that He would give the people 
flesh to eat, not for one day, nor two, but for a whole 
month. 






THE LIFE OF MOSES 47 

Seventy Elders Chosen. — Moses went out and told all 
these things to the Israelites. He gathered seventy of the 
elders and placed them round the tabernacle. The Lord 
caused His spirit to descend upon the elders so that they 
prophesied. But two of the elders, Eldad and Medad, 
who had remained in the camp, also prophesied. This 
was told to Moses, upon which Joshua, his servant, jeal- 
ous of the honor of his master, exclaimed, "My lord 
Moses, forbid them." But Moses showed his true great- 
ness in his reply, " Enviest thou for my sake ? would God 
that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the 
Lord would put His spirit upon them!" 

Quails in the Camp. — The next day God caused a 
strong wind to blow, which brought up such a multitude 
of quail that they lay round the camp to the distance of 
a day's journey on each side. The people hastened to 
gather them, but while the flesh was yet between their 
teeth, the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, 
and they were smitten with a great plague. And the 
place was called Kibroth-hattaavah, "because there they 
buried the people that lusted." The people then jour- 
neyed to Hazeroth and dwelt there. 



CHAPTER VII. 

The Spies. 

Miriam's Sin. — Miriam and Aaron spoke against their 
brother Moses, and they said, "Hath the Lord indeed 
spoken only by Moses ? Hath he not spoken also by us ? " 
Now Moses was very meek, above all the men which were 
upon the face of the earth. The Lord heard these words, 
and speaking suddenly unto Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, 
bade them go to the tabernacle. God then rebuked 
Aaron and Miriam, but praised Moses, whom He called 



48 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

His " faithful" one. When the Lord had finished speak- 
ing with them, behold Miriam was covered with leprosy. 
Moses prayed to the Lord, and the leprosy was after seven 
days removed. The people then removed from Hazeroth, 
and pitched their camp in the wilderness of Paran. 

The Twelve Spies. — At God's command Moses sent 
twelve men to spy out the land of Canaan, taking one 
man from each tribe. Among them were Joshua, the son 
of Nun, and Caleb, the son of Jephunneh. The men 
went up and searched the land from Zin unto Rehob, and 
pushed on as far north as Hebron. And when they 
reached the brook of Eshcol they cut down a vine branch 
and one cluster of grapes of such a size that two men had 
to carry it between them, slung on a pole ; they also gath- 
ered of the pomegranates and the figs. After searching 
the land for forty days they returned. They showed the 
assembled congregation the fruit they had gathered, and 
praised the richness and fertility of the land which, they 
said, flowed with milk and honey. They, however, re- 
ported that the indwellers were strong, the cities walled 
round, and very great, and that the giants, children of 
Anak, dwelt there. 

This evil report frightened the Israelites. They mur- 
mured against Moses and Aaron, " Would God that we 
had died in the land of Egypt, or in the wilderness." It 
was in vain that Moses and Aaron, Caleb and Joshua, 
tried to calm the rebellious people. They were almost 
stoned for their pains. Again the Lord was about to 
destroy the whole people for their wickedness, and again 
Moses interceded for and saved them. But the Almighty 
decreed that none of them save only Joshua and Caleb 
should enter the promised land. The rest should die in 
the wilderness during the thirty-eight years' wandering, 
but their children should inherit Canaan. 

The next day the people, having repented, were eager 



THE LIFE OF MOSES 49 

to set out toward Canaan. Moses warned them to desist, 
as the Lord was not with them. They disobeyed their 
leader's command, and departed out of the camp. And 
the Amalekites and Canaanites smote them and discom- 
fited them to Hormah. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
The Rebellion of Koran. 

Koran's Revolt.— Now Korah, of the tribe of Levi, 
and Dathan and Abiram of the tribe of Reuben, raised 
a rebellion against Moses. With Korah were joined two 
hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, "famous in the 
congregation, men of renown." They complained that 
Moses and Aaron took too much upon themselves; that 
all the congregation were holy, and that therefore it was 
wrong for any man to lift himself up above his fellows. 
Moses was filled with grief at hearing these words, but he 
proposed a simple test, by which it might be shown whom 
the Lord had chosen "to come near unto Him." He 
bade Korah and all his company take their censers on the 
morrow, to put fire in them, and to stand before the Lord. 
Hoping still to move the hearts of the rebels, he reminded 
them how God had bestowed special favors upon the tribe 
of Levi. He blamed their desire to obtain more power 
than properly belonged to them. Moses then sent for 
Dathan and Abiram, but they refused to go to him. 

The next day the whole congregation were assembled 
before the door of the tabernacle. Korah and his follow- 
ers were there, each man with his censer in his hand. 
The spirit of mutiny among the Israelites grew so strong 
that the Lord waxed wroth and would have destroyed 
them all; but Moses and Aaron prayed on their behalf. 
Moses now bade all the people separate themselves from 



50 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who in 
defiance were standing at the entrance of their tents. 
Then spake Moses : " ' Hereby ye shall know that the Lord 
hath sent me to do all these works, for I have not done 
them of mine own mind. If these men die the common 
death of all men, . . . then the Lord hath not sent me. 
But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her 
mouth and swallow them up with all that appertain unto 
them, and they go down, quick, into the pit; then ye shall 
understand that these men have provoked the Lord.' 
And it came to pass as he ceased speaking that the ground 
clave asunder that was under them. And the earth 
opened her mouth and swallowed them up and their 
houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah and 
all their goods, . . . and they perished from among the 
congregation. And there came out a fire from the Lord 
and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered 
incense." 

The People Again Murmur. — On the morrow, "all 
the congregation of the children of Israel murmured 
against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed 
the people of the Lord." Instantly a plague broke out 
among the people, and many were struck down in all parts 
of the camp. Again the heart of Moses yearned toward 
his people. He bade Aaron take his censer and hasten 
to make an atonement for the sinners. Aaron did so, and 
stood between the living and the dead, so that the plague 
was stayed. And there died of the plague fourteen thou- 
sand and seven hundred. 

Aaron's Rod Blossoms. — God wished to give His 
people a further and lasting proof that He Himself had 
selected Aaron to minister unto Him. The head of each 
tribe was commanded to take a rod, upon which the name 
of his tribe was to be written, and to lay it in the tabernacle 
of the congregation. The name of Aaron was to be writ- 



THE LIFE OF MOSES 5} 

ten upon the rod of the tribe of Levi. And it should be 
that the man whose rod blossomed was the one chosen by 
God, and so an end would be put to the continual mur- 
murings of the children of Israel. The rods were accord- 
ingly laid in the tabernacle. And it came to pass on the 
morrow that the rod of Aaron "was budded, and brought 
forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds." 
Aaron's rod was kept "before the testimony as a token 
against the rebels." 

CHAPTER IX. 

Death of Miriam and Aaron. 

Death of Miriam. — The Israelites now entered the 
wilderness of Zin, which they traversed for the next thirty- 
eight years, until the whole generation coming out of 
Egypt had perished. These wanderings over, we find the 
people again encamped at Kadesh, in the first month of 
the fortieth year from the Exodus. "And Miriam died 
there, and was buried there." 

Punishment of Moses and Aaron.— At Kadesh there 
was a scarcity of water. The people again murmured 
against Moses, saying, "Would God we had died when 
our brethren died before the Lord." The Lord told 
Moses to take his rod and bid Aaron to assemble the peo- 
ple. They were then to speak to the rock, and it should 
give forth water. Moses and Aaron gathered the people 
before the rock, and Moses exclaimed, "Hear now, ye 
rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And 
Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the 
rock twice, and the water came out abundantly." 

And the Lord rebuked Moses and Aaron, in that they 
had disobeyed His command in striking the rock instead 
of speaking to it. This was their punishment, that they 
snould not lead the people into the promised land. 



52 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

The waters were called Meribarr, because the children 
of Israel strove with the Lord. 

Messengers Sent to Edom.— Moses now sent messen- 
gers unto the King of Edom, asking permission for the 
Israelites to pass through his land. Moses promised for 
the people that they should not pass through the fields nor 
the vineyards, nor drink the water of the wells, but should 
keep to the king's highway, turning neither to the right 
nor to the left. But the King of Edom refused, and even 
threatened them with war if they tried to force a passage. 
Again Moses asked permission, and again he was refused. 
The Israelites were compelled to choose another way, and 
travelling to the westward of Edom, reached Mount Hor. 

Death of Aaron. — The Lord said unto Moses, " Take 
Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto 
Mount Hor. And strip Aaron of his garments, and put 
them upon Eleazar his son ; and Aaron shall be gathered 
unto his people, and shall die there." Moses did as the 
Lord commanded, and Aaron died there on the top of the 
mount. And when all the congregation saw that Aaron 
was dead, they mourned for Aaron thirty days. The 
death of Aaron occurred on the first day of the fifth month 
of the fortieth year of the Exodus. He was one hundred 
and twenty-three years old. 

Hormah. — Arad, King of the Canaanites, having heard 
of the matter of the spies, fought with Israel, and took 
some of them prisoners. Afterward the Canaanites were 
overthrown at a place called Hormah, and many of their 
cities destroyed. 

The Brazen Serpent. — The Israelites resumed their 
painful journey from Mount Hor by way of the Red Sea. 
They were thus compelled to retrace their steps, as the 
way through Edom had been barred to them. "The 
people spake against God and against Moses, Wherefore 
have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilder- 



THE LIFE OF MOSES 53 

ness?" "And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the 
people, and they bit the people; and many people of Israel 
died." This punishment brought the Israelites to their 
senses. They humbled themselves before Moses, entreat- 
ing him to pray to the Lord on their behalf; and Moses 
prayed for the people. God told Moses to make a serpent 
of brass and to put it upon a pole. " And it came to pass, 
that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the 
serpent of brass he lived." 

Messengers Sent to the Amorites.— Israel now sent 
messengers to Sihon, King of the Amorites, asking for per- 
mission to pass through his land. Again Moses promised 
that the people should keep to the king's highway. Sihon 
not only would not grant this request, but gathering an 
army fought a battle with the Israelites at Jahaz. "And 
Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and pos- 
sessed his land from Arnon unto Jabak." And Israel 
also captured many of the Amorite cities, such as Hesh- 
bon and Jaazer, and dwelt in them. 

War with Bashan. — The people now "turned and 
went up by the way of Bashan; and Og the King of 
Bashan went out against them, he and all his people," 
and fought a battle at Edrei. "And Israel smote him 
and his sons and all his people, and they possessed his 
land." 

CHAPTER X. 

Balak and Balaam. 

Balak and Balaam. — The children of Israel continued 
their journey till they reached the plains of Moab on the 
eastern side of Jordan near Jericho. Balak, King of Moab, 
had heard of Israel's successful war with the Amorites. 
Fearing the fate of Sihon and Og, he spoke to a neighbor- 
ing people, the Midianites, complaining of the strength 



54 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

and numbers of the Israelites, and entering into an alli- 
ance with them in case of war. But he called another 
power to his assistance. He sent messengers to Balaam, 
who lived at Pethor in Mesopotamia, asking him to come 
and curse Israel. The fame of Balaam was very great, and 
Balak seems to have believed in his power, for he said, " I 
know whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou 
cursest is cursed." 

The elders of Moab and of Midian set out therefore on 
their long journey to Pethor, carrying with them large re- 
wards. Having delivered their message, Balaam desired 
them to remain that night, and in the morning he would 
tell them what the Lord had spoken to him. And 
God said to Balaam, "Thou shalt not go with them; 
thou shalt not curse the people; for they are blessed." 
In the morning Balaam said unto the princes of Ba- 
lak, "Get you unto your land; for the Lord refuscth to 
give me leave to go with you." So the men returned 
home. 

But Balak would not be denied. Again he sent to 
Balaam princes more honorable than the first ones, with 
promise of great reward and promotion. 

Balaam replied to them, that if Balak filled his house 
with silver and gold he could not go beyond the word of 
the Lord God, to do less or more. Still he asked the mes- 
sengers to remain that night, that he might know what 
the Lord would say to him more. The Lord then ap- 
peared unto Balaam and gave him permission to accom- 
pany Balak's princes, but he was to say only what the 
Lord should put into his mouth. 

Hearing of Balaam's approach, Balak went forth to 
meet him. But at the first moment of meeting, the 
prophet told the king that he could only speak the word 
the Lord put into his mouth. Nevertheless, Balak did 
not lose hope; but on the morrow he took Balaam up into 



THE LIFE OF MOSES 55 

a high place dedicated to the worship of Baal, whence he 
might obtain a view of the people of Israel. 

At Balaam's request, Balak built on that spot seven 
altars, and they offered on each a bullock and a ram. 
The word of the Lord came to Balaam, but instead of 
cursing Israel he blessed him, saying, "Who can count 
the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of 
Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let 
my last end be like his." Balak, in anger, carried Balaam 
to another place, hoping he might curse Israel there. 
Again were the altars built, and the victims offered. 
Again the Lord put a word in Balaam's mouth, and again 
he uttered blessings. "He hath not beheld iniquity in 
Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel; the 
Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a king is 
among them. . . . Behold, the people shall rise up as 
a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion : he shall 
not lie down till he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of 
the slain." 

Balak, hearing these words, so different from what he 
had hoped, cried out, " Neither curse them at all nor bless 
them at all." Still he thought there might be one chance 
more. Leading Balaam to the top of Peor, the altars were 
built again, and the offerings made. Balaam did not wait 
this time for the divine inspiration; but, lifting up his 
eyes upon the people encamped below, he exclaimed, 
"How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob; and thy taber- 
nacles, O Israel! . . . Blessed is he that blesseth thee, 
and cursed is he that curseth thee." 

And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and 
he said, "I called thee to curse mine enemies : and behold, 
thou hast blessed them these three times." Balaam, 
however, reminded the king that he had said he could only 
deliver God's message. Balaam now broke forth into 
a further strain of prophecy. He showed, in glowing 



56 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

words, the future greatness of Israel. "There shall come 
a star out of Jacob, and a sceptre shall rise out of Israel, 
and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the 
children of Sheth." Edom, Amalek, the Kenites, all 
should be subdued by Israel. A time, however, should 
come when Israel should bow the neck to Assyria; but, 
in the end, Assyria herself should be conquered by those 
coming in ships from the coast of Chittim (Cyprus). 
Then Balaam rose up and went to his place, and Balak 
also went his way. 



CHAPTER XI. 
The People Numbered. — Appointment of Joshua. 

The People Numbered. — Again the sum of the people 
from twenty years old and upward was taken. They 
proved to be 601,730, or 1820 fewer than at the previous 
census. Moses and Eleazar completed the numbering in 
Moab, by Jordan, near Jericho. Among them there was 
not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron had num- 
bered in the wilderness of Zin, except only Caleb the son 
of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. 

Appointment of Joshua. — The Lord bade Moses 
ascend the mount of Abarim, from whose summit he 
might view the land promised to the children of Israel. 
After he had seen it, he was to be gathered to his people 
as Aaron had been gathered. They were not permitted 
to enter the promised land, because they had transgressed 
God's command at the waters of Meribah. Moses de- 
voutly submitted to God's command, but prayed that a 
fitting successor might be appointed. God told Moses 
to take Joshua the son of Nun, to place him before Eleazar 
the priest, and to endow him with some of his Command, 
so that the people should obey him. 



THE LIFE OF MOSES 57 

The Two and a Half Tribes.— The tribes of Reuben 
and Gad possessed a great multitude of cattle, and the 
land in which the Israelites were now dwelling was well 
fitted for grazing. These two tribes therefore came to 
Moses, and requested that they might be allowed to 
remain where they were, and not be required to pass over 
the Jordan to the promised land. Moses was wroth with 
the two tribes, and said, "Shall your brethren go to war, 
and shall ye sit here?" He blamed them for trying to 
discourage their brethren from undertaking the conquest 
of Canaan. He reminded them that their fathers had 
been guilty of similar conduct, when the spies were sent 
from Kadesh-barnea. 

The Reubenites and the Gadites at once saw that 
Moses had not rebuked them unjustly. They therefore 
offered to build cities for their families and sheepfolds for 
their sheep in the land they desired to occupy, and then 
to join their brethren in crossing the Jordan and in subdu- 
ing their enemies, adding, "We will not return unto our 
houses until the children of Israel have inherited every 
man his inheritance." To this Moses assented. He gave 
unto the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and 
half the tribe of Manasseh the kingdoms of Sihon and 
Og. From the river Arnon unto Mount Gilead was given 
to Reuben; thence northward to the sea of Chinneroth 
belonged to Gad; while a more northward portion, 
leading to Mount Hermon, was possessed by the half 
tribe of Manasseh. The promise given by these tribes 
to Moses was faithfully carried out. They fought 
side by side 'with their brethren, and did not settle on 
their lands till the Israelites had taken possession of 
Canaan. 



58 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

CHAPTER XII. 
The Last Days of Moses. 

The Journeyings of the Israelites.— In the thirty- 
third chapters of Numbers an account is given of the 
journeyings of the children of Israel, from the departure 
from Egypt to their arrival in the plains of Moab, near 
Jericho. These journeyings occupied forty years, and 
the Israelites pitched their camp forty-two times. 

Settlement of the Promised Land. — Moses now told 
the children of Israel what were to be the boundaries of 
the land they were about to possess. He then appointed 
Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, together 
with a prince from each tribe, to superintend the division 
of Canaan, which was to be by lot. The Levites were to 
have certain cities allotted them for their own use. Six 
cities of refuge were also to be built, three on the east of the 
Jordan and three on the west, whither the slayer might 
flee " which killeth any person unawares." 

The Repetition of the Law. — The life of Moses was 
drawing to a close, yet he charged himself with one great 
task — to read to the assembled people the whole book of 
the Law. "In the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, 
on the first day of the month, Moses spake unto the 
children of Israel according unto all that the Lord had 
given him in commandments unto them." The place 
chosen was the eastern side of Jordan, in the land of Moab. 
Here, where had occurred many of the most important 
events in the lives of the patriarchs, Moses recited the past 
history of the people, and the code of laws which God had 
given for their government This great work being ended 
Moses commanded the people that as soon as they had 
passed the Jordan they were to set up great stones on 
Mount Ebal, to plaster them over, and to write upon them 






THE LIFE OF MOSES 59 

all the words of the Law. A portion of the people were 
to stand upon Mount Gerizim, to bless the people; and 
another portion were to stand upon Mount Ebal, to curse 
those who should transgress the Law. 

The Song of Moses. — In a beautiful song Moses now 
exhorted the people to remain steadfast to God's word. 
He pointed out that He was their Rock and God. He 
recounted the ingratitude of the people, their frequent 
offences, and how God had always forgiven their sins. 
Lastly, he spoke prophetically of the future greatness of 
Israel. "Rejoice, O ye nations with His people, for He 
will avenge the blood of His servants, and will render 
vengeance to His adversaries, and will be merciful unto 
His land and to His people." 

The Lord now bade Moses ascend Mount Nebo, in the 
land of Moab, from whose summit he might view the land 
of Canaan. God further told him he should die on the 
mount, even as Aaron had died on Mount Hor. Moses 
prepared himself to obey the divine command. But first 
he gathered the people together, and blessed them ac- 
cording to their tribes. 

Death of Moses. — The work of the great prophet and 
leader was finished. He went up into the mountain of 
Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, and the Lord showed him all 
the land that the children of Israel were about to inherit. 
" So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land 
of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And he was 
buried in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth- 
Peor : but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. 
And Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when 
he died ; his eyes were not dim, nor his natural force 
abated. And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the 
plains of Moab thirty days. . . . And there arose not a 
prophet since in Israel like unto Moses." 



60 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 



QUESTIONS. 



Chapter I. — How were the Israelites treated after Joseph's death? 
What excited the fear and jealousy of the Egyptian monarch? What 
cities were the Israelites compelled to build? What did Pharaoh com- 
mand concerning the male children ? How did Jochebed save her child ? 
What did Pharaoh's daughter call the child? What does the name 
Moses mean ? Who was Moses's father? What was the name of his sis- 
ter? Of what tribe was Jochebed? Did Moses mingle with the Israel- 
ites? Whither did Moses flee from the wrath of Pharaoh? Whom did 
Moses marry? What was the name of Moses's father-in-law? What 
were the names of Moses's sons ? Where, and how did God first appear 
to Moses? What did God command Moses to do, while tending the 
sheep of Jethro ? By what signs was Moses ordered to convince the Is- 
raelites and Pharaoh that he was sent by God ? Who was to assist Moses 
in his work ? What relation was Moses to Aaron ? Did the children of 
Israel believe Moses ? 

Chapter II. — How did Pharaoh receive the appeal of Moses and 
Aaron ? How old were Moses and Aaron when they stood before Pha- 
raoh? How many plagues did God inflict on the Egyptians? Name 
them. What feast commemorated the last of the plagues? Describe 
fully the feast of Passover. When was the Passover kept? How long 
did the Israelites dwell in Egypt? How many Israelites left Egypt? 
Whither did they proceed? Whose bones did the Israelites carry with 
them when leaving Egypt ? "What guided the Israelites by day and night ? 

Chapter III. — How were the Israelites rescued from Pharaoh at the 
Red Sea ? What happened at Marah ? What did the Israelites do in the 
Wilderness of Sin ? How were they fed during their stay in the Wilder- 
ness? On what day did they get a double portion, and why? What 
were the troubles at Rephidim? Whom did the Amalekites claim as 
their ancestor ? Who defeated the Amalekites ? 

Chapter IV. — What did Jethro say upon hearing all that the Lord had 
done for Israel? What advice did Jethro give to Moses? For what is 
Mount Sinai noted ? At what period was the Law given to the Israelites ? 
Recite the first commandment, the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, sev- 
enth, eighth, ninth and tenth. How long was Moses on the Mount com- 
muning with God? Which three festivals were then appointed? What 
did Moses carry with him when he came down from the Mount ? 

Chapter V. — How did the Israelites sin while Moses was on Mount 
Sinai ? Did Moses plead in behalf of the Israelites ? How did he punish 



THE LIFE OF MOSES 61 

them ? Why did Moses return to Mount Sinai ? What are God's attri- 
butes as told to Moses ? Why was Moses compelled to put a veil on his 
face? Describe the tabernacle. Who were the architects of the Taber- 
nacle ? 

Chapter VI. — Who were appointed to the priesthood? Who to the 
High priesthood? Who were Nadab and Abihu? What happened to 
them? Give the names of the tribes. After whom were they named? 
Describe the manner in which they marched. What was the number of 
the people? What were the duties of the Levites? How were they di- 
vided ? What was the form of prayer used by Moses when the ark set 
forward ? What prayer did he use when it rested ? How many elders were 
chosen to assist Moses ? What was Moses's reply when told that Eldad 
and Medad were prophesying ? What was the punishment of the Israel- 
ites at Kibroth-hataavah ? Why was the place so called ? 

Chapter VII. — Of what sin were Aaron and Miriam guilty? What 
was the consequence ? How many persons were sent to spy out the land 
of Canaan? What report did they make? Who were the two faithful 
spies? How long and for what reason were the Israelites compelled to 
wander in the wilderness ? 

Chapter VIII. — Describe the nature and the consequences of the rebel- 
lion of Korah. Who were his two main supporters and their followers? 
What miracle was performed on Aaron's rod to confirm his authority ? 

Chapter IX. — Where did Miriam die, and where was she buried? 
Why did the Israelites complain at Kadesh ? Why were Moses and Aaron 
not permitted to enter the land of Canaan ? Why were the waters called 
Meribah ? What king refused the Israelites permission to pass through 
his land ? Who died on Mount Hor ? How old was Aaron at his death ? 
What happened at Hormah ? On what occasion was Moses ordered to 
make a brazen serpent ? What befell Sihon, King of the Amorites, and 
Og, King of Bashan? 

Chapter X. — Who was Balak ? To whom did he send messengers, and 
why? Unto how many places did Balak take Balaam to curse the Is- 
raelites ? What blessing did Balaam pronounce when standing upon the 
top of Mount Peor? What did Balak accuse Balaam of, and what was 
his reply? 

Chapter XL — What was the number of the Israelites ? Had they in- 
creased or decreased in number since the last census? Who was ap- 
pointed to succeed Moses? To what tribes were given the king- 
doms of Sihon and Og? On what conditions? Did they carry out 
their promise ? Tell how the land was divided among the two and a 
half tribes. 

Chapter XII. — How long did the Israelites journey in the Wilderness? 



0S MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

In how many places did they pitch their camps ? Whom did Moses ap- 
point to superintend the division of Canaan ? What was the object of the 
cities of refuge? When and where did Moses repeat the Law to the 
Israelites? On what mountain were the blessings to be pronounced? 
On what tht curses ? From what point did Moses see the promised land ? 
Where and at what age did Moses die ? Where was Moses buried ? 



PART III. 

FROM THE DEATH OF MOSES TO THE CHOICE 
OF SAUL. 

CHAPTER I. 
The Spies in Jericho.— Passage of the Jordan. 

Joshua Takes Command.— After the death of Moses, 
the Lord commanded Joshua to prepare the people to 
pass over the Jordan. At the same time God promised 
to Joshua to be with him in all his undertakings. He 
bade him "Be strong, and of good courage, for unto this 
people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, 
which I sware unto their fathers to give them." And 
again He said, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with 
thee: I will not fail thee or forsake thee." Thus divinely 
encouraged, Joshua prepared the people to carry out 
God's wish. The people promised a ready obedience to 
Joshua in these words : " Whosoever he be that doth rebel 
against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy 
words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put 
to death." 

The Two Spies.— The city of Jericho was situated on 
the western side of the Jordan, close to where the Israelites 
were about to cross. Joshua wished to find out its 
strength. So he sent two men secretly to spy it out. The 
men entered the city, and lodged with a woman named 
Rahab. It soon came to the ears of the king that the two 

68 



64 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

Israelites were in Jericho. He sent unto Rahab, bidding 
her bring forth the men — no doubt intending that they 
should be put to death. But Rahab hid the spies among 
the flax on the roof of the house, and then told the king 
that they had left the city. The king's men at once set 
out in pursuit, and never stopped till they came to the 
fords of the Jordan. 

That same night Rahab went up to the men on the roof, 
and told them she knew that the Lord had given them the 
land, for terror had fallen upon all the inhabitants. " For 
we have heard how the Lord dried up the waters of the 
Red Sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt ; and what 
ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites that were on the 
other side of Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly de- 
stroyed." She then made them swear that as she had 
done kindness to them in saving their lives, they should 
show kindness to her and her family when the city was 
captured. The men swore unto her that she and her 
household should be spared, on condition that she kept 
the whole matter secret. Rahab's house being built upon 
the walls of the city, she let them down into the open 
country by a cord from her window. The men returned 
to Joshua, and said, "Truly the Lord hath delivered into 
our hands all the land, for even all the inhabitants of the 
country do faint because of us." 

Passage of the Jordan. — The next morning the peo- 
ple broke up their camp at Shittim and travelled to the 
eastern bank of the Jordan. At the end of three days the 
people set out to cross the river. First went the priests, 
bearing the ark of the covenant. At a distance of two 
thousand cubits the people followed. This space was 
left so that by seeing which way the ark was going the 
people might know their way. The priests then boldly 
marched into the Jordan. As soon as their feet touched 
the stream, the upper waters of the river stood up in a 



FROM JOSHUA TO SAUL 65 

heap. The lower waters pursued their course toward 
the Dead Sea. The bed of the river therefore became 
dry, and the whole host of Israel passed over on dry foot. 
" On that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of 
all Israel, and they feared him as they feared Moses all 
the days of his life." The passage of the Jordan took 
place on the tenth day of the first month. The people 
having encamped in Gilgal, Joshua erected there twelve 
stones that had been carried out of Jordan as a memorial 
that the waters of Jordan had been dried up. 

CHAPTER II. 
Fall of Jericho.— Achan's Sin.— Capture of Ai. 

Fall of Jericho. — Jericho was now closely besieged 
by the children of Israel. At God's command the Israel- 
ites, accompanied by the priests bearing the ark of the 
Lord and blowing upon rams' horns, walked round the 
city once on each of six days. On the seventh day they 
walked round seven times; and as the priests blew the 
horns Joshua said to the people, " Shout, for the Lord hath 
given you the city." So the people shouted, and at once 
the walls that defended the city fell flat, and the Israelites 
entered and captured the place. They slew all the men and 
women that were in it, and all the cattle, but Rahab and 
her family they saved alive. Then they burnt the city 
and all that was in it, only the gold and the silver and the 
vessels of brass and iron they put into the treasury of the 
house of the Lord, as Joshua had told them to do. And 
Joshua laid a curse upon any one who should attempt to 
rebuild the city. 

Achan's Sin. — But one of the children of Israel had 
disobeyed the command of God, and had kept for himself 
a portion of the spoil. The wrongdoer was Achan, of the 
5 



66 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

tribe of Judah. The anger of the Lord was kindled 
against the children of Israel, and misfortune overtook 
them. Joshua sent an army of three thousand men to 
capture Ai, a town to the west of Jericho. But the chil- 
dren of Israel, after losing thirty- six of their number, fled 
before the men of Ai. This defeat caused the hearts of 
the Israelites to melt with fear. Then God revealed to 
Joshua the reason of Israel's defeat, inasmuch as one of 
the people had secretly taken and kept a portion of the 
spoils of Jericho. The next day Joshua endeavored to 
find the culprit by casting lots. The lot fell upon the 
tribe of Judah, and finally upon Achan. Joshua begged 
Achan to confess. And Achan said that he had sinned 
against God, and had taken of the spoil of Jericho, and 
hidden it in the earth in his tent. Then all Israel stoned 
him to death. 

Capture of Ai. — Israel's sin being thus purged, God 
commanded Joshua to attack Ai again, and it should be 
delivered into his hands. So Joshua led an army against 
the city and captured it by a stratagem. Dividing his 
forces, he made one part lie in ambush behind the city, 
while the other part attacked it in front. These, pretend- 
ing to fly, drew the inhabitants of Ai after them in pursuit. 
Those in ambush instantly rushed into the city and set it 
on fire. The Israelites, who were pretending to retreat, 
now turned upon their pursuers. The men of Ai were 
thus caught between the two divisions of the Israelites, 
who slew every one of them. 

Ebal and Gerizim. — Joshua built an altar of stones 
unto the Lord on Mount Ebal, and wrote upon the stones 
a copy of the Law of Moses. Then, placing half the peo- 
ple on Mount Ebal and half on Mount Gerizim, "he read 
all the words of the Law, the blessings and cursings, ac- 
cording to all that is written in the book of the Law." 



FROM JOSHUA TO SAUL 67 

CHAPTER III. 
The Gibeonites. — The Five Kings of Canaan. 

Stratagem of the Gibeonites.— The remaining kings 
of the Canaanite cities, having heard of Israel's successes, 
and fearing lest the doom of Jericho and of Ai should over- 
take them, formed a league to fight against Joshua and 
with Israel. But the inhabitants of Gibeon sought safety 
by other means. Dressing themselves up in old and 
faded garments, and taking with them mouldy provisions, 
they presented themselves before Joshua at Gilgal, asking 
to make a covenant with the children of Israel. The men 
of Israel said, "If ye dwell among us, how shall we make 
a league with you ? " But the Gibeonites replied that they 
had come from a distant land, and pointed to their worn 
clothes and stale provisions to bear out their story. So 
Joshua made peace with them. Three days after the 
Israelites found out that they had been deceived, for by 
that time they had reached the Gibeonite cities, which lay 
to the southwest of Ai. Yet they respected their oath. 
The Gibeonites were saved alive, but were made hewers 
of wood and drawers of water for the house of God. 

The Amorite Kings. — The act of the Gibeonites in 
securing their own safety brought upon them the wrath of 
another powerful section of the inhabitants of Canaan — 
the Amorites. One of the most powerful of their princes, 
Adoni-Zedec, King of Jerusalem, banding himself with 
the kings of Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon, en- 
camped before Gibeon, and made war against it. The 
Gibeonites sent to Joshua at Gilgal, praying for help. 
Joshua immediately answered the call, and a great battle 
ensued. The Amorites were defeated, and fleeing, were 
pursued by the Israelites. When they reached Azekah, 
"great hailstones came down upon them; they were more 



68 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

who died with hailstones than they whom the children 
of Israel slew with the sword." "Then spake Joshua to 
the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amor- 
ites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight 
of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon : and thou, 
moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still 
and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged them- 
selves upon their enemies." 

Joshua pursued his victorious career, capturing many 
cities and putting their inhabitants to the sword. He 
smote all the country "from Kadesh-barnea even unto 
Gaza," and took all the land, "for the Lord God of Israel 
fought for Israel." 

CHAPTER IV. 

Wars with the Canaanites. — Division of Palestine. — 
Death of Joshua. 

Further Wars. — A fresh league was now formed 
against the Israelites by the kings dwelling in the north 
of the Holy Land, headed by Jabin, King of Hazor. 
Among the confederates were Canaanites, Amorites, Hit- 
tites, Perizzites, and Hivites. These nations dwelt about 
the Lake Chinneroth, and round the foot of Mount Her- 
mon. Joshua and his people fell upon them suddenly by 
the waters of Merom, and smote them, and chased them, 
until they left none remaining. Thus, king after king, 
and nation after nation, was defeated. Israel took pos- 
session of the conquered lands. At this period also 
Joshua cut off the Anakims, and destroyed all their cities. 
The total number of kingdoms overthrown by the Israel- 
ites was thirty-one. After this, "the land rested from 
war." 

Division of Canaan. — The Lord now commanded 
Joshua to divide the land among the nine and a half 



FROM JOSHUA TO SAUL 69 

tribes; the remaining two and a half tribes (Reuben, Gad, 
and half Manasseh) having chosen their possessions on 
the east of the Jordan. The tribe of Levi alone received 
no portion of the land; "the sacrifices of the Lord God 
of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as He said 
unto them." 

To Reuben was given the southernmost portion of the 
land east of the Jordan. It was bounded by the river 
Arnon on the south, and on the north reached a little be- 
yond the head of the Dead Sea. It was formerly the 
kingdom of Sihon. 

Gad lay to the north of Reuben, and included Mount 
Gilead. 

Manasseh was still farther north, and extended to 
Mount Hermon. This was formerly the country of Og, 
King of Bashan. 

The river Jordan was the western boundary of these 
three tribes. On the east they touched the desert. 

The other tribes were thus placed, proceeding from 
north to south — Naphtali, Asher, Zebulun, Issachar, 
Manasseh, Ephraim, Benjamin, Dan, Judah, Simeon. 
To Caleb was given the city of Hebron. An end having 
been made of the division of the land, the children of 
Israel gave unto Joshua the city of Timnath-serah, in 
Mount Ephraim, " and he built the city and dwelt therein." 

God commanded the Israelites to appoint cities of 
refuge, "that the slayer that kills any person unawares 
may flee thither; and they shall be your refuge from the 
avenger of blood." And they appointed Kedesh in Gali- 
lee, in Mount Naphtali; Shechem, in Mount Ephraim; 
Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah; 
Golan, in Bashan; Bezer, in Reuben; and Ramoth, in 
Gilead, to be cities of refuge. 

To the Levites also were given forty- eight cities with 
the suburbs thereof roundabout. 



70 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

"Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, 
and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and said unto them, Ye 
have kept all that Moses the servant of the Lord com- 
manded you, and have obeyed my voice in all that I com- 
manded you." He then gave them permission to return 
to the east of the Jordan, where they had chosen to dwell. 
He bade them "take diligent heed to do the command- 
ment of the Law" which Moses had commanded them, 
and to serve God with all their heart and with all their 
soul. "So Joshua blessed them and sent them away." 

The Altar of Ed.— The two and a half tribes set out 
on their journey eastward, and when they reached the 
Jordan they built there a great altar. When the children 
of Israel heard of it they gathered together at Shiloh to go 
to war with their brethren. But first they sent Phinehas 
with ten chiefs to inquire why the altar had been erected. 
The High Priest came up with the two and a half tribes 
in the land of Gilead and rebuked them for building an 
altar, and rebelling against the Lord. But they answered 
that they had not built the altar to offer thereon sacrifices, 
but as a perpetual witness that they and their brethren 
worshipped the same God, "that your children may not 
say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in 
the Lord." And the children of Israel were satisfied with 
the explanation. The altar was called Ed; "for it shall 
be a witness between us that the Lord is God." 

Death of Joshua. — Now the land had rest for a long 
time. And Joshua waxed old, so he called all the elders 
of Israel together and exhorted them to keep the way of 
God. He warned them against serving idols; they should 
not swear by them, nor bow down to them, but they 
should remain faithful for ever unto the Lord their God. 
He then recounted the history of the Israelites from the 
time of Abraham until the day he was speaking to them. 
All the people promised faithfully to serve God and to 



FROM JOSHUA TO SAUL 71 

obey His voice. Then Joshua died, " being an hundred 
and ten years old." He was buried in Timnath- serah, in 
Mount Ephraim. 

The bones of Joseph, which had been brought up from 
Egypt, were buried in Shechem, in the piece of land which 
Jacob had bought of Hamor, the father of Shechem. And 
Eleazar, the son of Aaron, died and was buried in Mount 
Ephraim. 

CHAPTER V. 

The Judges.— Othniel to Deborah. 

Idol Worship. — After the death of Joshua and all 
that generation, the people forsook the God of their 
fathers, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. And the anger 
of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he delivered them 
into the hands of their enemies round about. Yet from 
time to time God had compassion on His people, and 
raised up among them Judges, who delivered them out of 
the hands of those that spoiled them. Then the Israelites 
would return to the worship of God, and remain steadfast 
during the life of the Judge, but on his death they would 
again return to their evil ways. One reason of the con- 
tinual lapsing of the Israelites was the intermarriages 
which took place between them and the heathens. 

Othniel. — The anger of the Lord was now kindled 
against His people, and He delivered them into the hand 
of the king of Mesopotamia, who kept them in subjection 
eight years. Then the children of Israel cried unto the 
Lord, and He raised them up a deliverer in the person of 
Othniel, son of Caleb's younger brother. He rescued his 
people from the oppression of the king, and under him 
the land had rest for forty years. 

Ehud. — Again the children of Israel did evil in the sight 
of God, who brought them under the yoke of the king of 



72 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

Moab. The Israelites served him for eighteen years, 
then the cry of their servitude rose to heaven, and the Lord 
inspired Ehud, a left-handed man of the tribe of Benja- 
min, to deliver his suffering people. Ehud first slew the 
king of Moab, then summoning his people by blast of the 
trumpet, he led them against the Moabites, defeating 
them with great slaughter. "And the land had rest four- 
score years." 

Deborah. — After the death of Ehud the children of 
Israel again fell into their wicked ways. The Lord sold 
them into the hand of Jabin, King of Canaan, the captain 
of whose host was named Sisera. 

At this time Israel was judged by a wise and brave 
woman, a prophetess, Deborah, the wife of Lapidoth. 
She sent unto Barak, the son of Abinoam, telling him to 
march toward Mount Tabor with ten thousand men of 
the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun, for that Sisera and 
his army should be delivered into his hands. But Barak 
refused to go unless Deborah went with him. Deborah 
consented, but told Barak that the journey would not lead 
to his honor, for Sisera would fall by the hand of a woman. 
So they journeyed together to Kedesh. The two armies 
joined battle at the brook Kishon, and all the host of 
Sisera fell by the edge of the sword, there was not a man left. 

Sisera himself took to flight, and drew near the tent of 
his friend, Heber, the Kenite, a descendant of Jethro. 
And Jael, the wife of Heber, went out to meet Sisera, and 
invited him into the tent. She covered him with a mantle, 
and gave him milk to slake his thirst. Telling her to con- 
ceal his presence in the tent, the tired captain gave himself 
up to sleep. Jael then quietly approached the sleeping 
Sisera, and slew him with a tent-nail and a hammer. 
Jabin himself was shortly after slain. To commemorate 
the great victory at Kishon, Deborah and Barak sang a 
beautiful hymn of praise unto God, " For the avenging of 



FROM JOSHUA TO SAUL 73 

Israel " (Judges, ch. v.). The song ends, " So let all thine 
enemies perish, O Lord, but let them that love Him be as 
the sun when he goeth forth in his might." Then the 
land had rest forty years. 



CHAPTER VI. 
The Judges (continued). — Gideon. 

Gideon. — The children of Israel fell again into their 
evil ways, and the Lord delivered them into the hands of 
the Midianites and the Amalekites. God sent a prophet 
to rebuke them, and to point out the grievous sins they 
had committed, especially in worshipping idols. 

One day Gideon, son of Joash, was threshing wheat by 
a wine-press to hide it from the Midianites, when an angel 
of God appeared unto him, saying, "The Lord is with 
thee, thou mighty man of valor." Gideon replied, "If 
the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us?" 
Then the Lord told him that he had been chosen to 
deliver Israel from the yoke of the Midianites. Gideon 
asked, "Wherewith shall I save Israel? Behold, my 
family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my 
father's house." 

The same night the Lord told Gideon to throw down 
the altar of Baal, and cut down its grove, and also to build 
an altar unto the true God, and to offer a bullock upon it. 
Gideon, taking with him ten men of his servants, did as 
the Lord commanded. When the men of the city arose 
next morning and found that their altar had been de- 
stroyed, they called unto Joash to bring forth his son, that 
he might die. But Joash merely replied, "Why will ye 
plead for Baal? ... If he be a god, let him plead for 
himself." And Joash called his son " Jerubbaal," mean- 
ing "Let Baal plead against him." 



74 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

Gideon's Army.— The Midianites and Amalekites 
gathered themselves together to contend with Israel in 
the valley of Jezreel. Gideon sent messengers to the 
tribes of Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, sum- 
moning them to meet their enemies. They obeyed the 
call. The Lord said unto Gideon that the people he had 
gathered were too many to overcome the Midianites, lest 
they should boast "Mine own hand hath saved me." 
Gideon sent away all who were afraid of the coming bat- 
tle to the number of twenty-two thousand, keeping only 
ten thousand with him. But the Israelites were still too 
many. God told Gideon to lead the people to the brook, 
and to reject all those who drank by going down on their 
knees ; but to select those who drank by lapping like dogs. 
There then remained but three hundred men, who were 
to take part in the actual contest. 

Routing the Midianites. — That same night the Lord 
told Gideon to attack the Midianites, for they should be 
delivered into his hands. Gideon divided his three hun- 
dred men into three companies, and he gave every man a 
trumpet, and a pitcher with a lighted lamp in it. Then 
he told them to watch him, and to do whatever they saw 
him do. He further told them to blow their trumpets 
when he blew his, and to cry out, " The sword of the Lord 
and of Gideon." So Gideon and his little army stood 
round the enemy's camp, and, at the signal, broke the 
pitchers so that the lights from the lamps flashed out all 
at once. Then they blew their trumpets and shouted 
their battle-cry. The Midianites, roused so suddenly 
from their sleep, were thrown into confusion, and turned 
their swords against each other. And all fled in the 
greatest haste. Then Gideon sent to Naphtali, Asher, 
Manasseh, and Ephraim to join in the pursuit, and many 
of the Midianites were killed. 

The pursuit of the Midianites by Gideon and his three 



FROM JOSHUA TO SAUL 75 

hundred still continued. Gideon and his men were faint 
with their toil, and coming to the town of Succoth, asked 
the inhabitants for food. But the men of Succoth refused 
aid to the Israelites, and mocked them. So also did the 
inhabitants of Penuel. Gideon threatened them both 
with punishment, and having at length captured the 
Midianitish kings he returned, and kept his word. 

Death of Gideon. — "Then the men of Israel said unto 
Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and 
thy son's son also." "And Gideon said unto them, I will 
not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you; the 
Lord shall rule over you." The land now rested forty 
years. And Gideon died in a good old age, and was 
buried in Ophrah. Then the people again went astray, 
and worshipped idols, and remembered not the Lord 
their God, and showed no kindness to the house of 
Gideon. 

CHAPTER VII. 

The Judges— Abimelech— Jair. 

Abimelech, one of the sons of Gideon, was desirous of 
succeeding to his father's position. He joined himself 
with his maternal relations, and with the inhabitants of 
Shechem. Having gathered a following, he proceeded 
to his father's house and slew his seventy brothers. But 
Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon, was left alive, for 
he had hidden himself. Then Abimelech was made king 
by the plain of the pillar in Shechem. 

Jotham's Parable. — When Jotham heard this, he went 
to the top of Mount Gerizim, and spoke a parable to the 
Shechemites. He said that the trees wanted a king to 
rule over them. They accordingly asked in turn the 
olive, the fig, and the vine; but all these declined the 
honor. Then they asked the bramble, which replied, 



76 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

"If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and 
put your trust in my shadow ; and if not, let fire come out 
of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon." He 
then reminded them of all that his father* Gideon had 
wrought on their behalf: how he had risked his life to 
save them from their enemies, in return for which they 
had slain his seventy sons.- Lastly, he said, "If ye then 
have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal (Gideon) 
and with his house this day, then rejoice ye in Abimelech, 
and let him also rejoice in you. But if not, let fire come 
out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem 
and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the 
men of Shechem and from the house of Millo, and devour 
Abimelech." Then Jotham fled and dwelt in Beer, for 
fear of Abimelech, his brother. 

War with Shechem. — Three years passed, and the 
warning of Jotham came to pass. The friendship, 
stained with crime, that existed between Abimelech and 
the Shechemites was broken. The latter chose for their 
leader Gaal, the son of Ebed, who defied Abimelech and 
his power. A war ensued, in which the people of 
Shechem were routed. A thousand of them, men and 
women, took refuge in the tower of Shechem, and were 
there burned to death by order of Abimelech. The 
victor now besieged Thebez; and while attacking a 
tower in which the inhabitants had taken refuge, a 
woman threw a piece of millstone on Abimelech's head, 
so that he died. 

Tola, of the tribe of Issachar, judged Israel for twen- 
ty and three years. He dwelt in Shamir, in Mount 
Ephraim. 

Jair, a Gileadite, next judged Israel for twenty years. 
After his death the children of Israel, having again re- 
sorted to the worship of idols, were oppressed by the 
Ammonites. In their distress the people repented, and 



FROM JOSHUA TO SAUL 77 

put away the strange gods from their midst, and served 
the Lord, "and His soul was grieved for the misery of 
Israel." The children of Ammon gathered an army and 
encamped in Gilead, and the Israelites assembled and 
encamped in Mizpeh. And the people and princes of 
Gilead said one to another, "What man is he that will 
begin to fight against the children of Ammon ? He shall 
be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead." 



CHAPTER VIII. 
Jephthah — Samson. 

Jephthah. — Now Jephthah was a mighty man of valor. 
His father, Gilead, had many sons, and when they were 
grown up, they thrust Jephthah from his father's house. 
So he dwelt in the land of Tob, and gathered men round 
him. When the Ammonites made war against Israel, 
the men of Gilead begged Jephthah to become their 
leader. He refused unless they promised to recognize 
him as their chief. This they agreed to do. Then 
Jephthah sent messengers to the king of Ammon, asking 
why he had invaded the land. The king replied that the 
land was his, and that the Israelites had taken it away 
by force when they had come out of Egypt. But Jeph- 
thah answered that God had taken the land from the 
Ammonites because of their cruelty to the children of 
Israel during their travels in the wilderness. The mes- 
sages were of no avail, and Jephthah led his people to 
do battle with the Ammonites. 

Jephthah's Vow. — And Jephthah made a vow, say- 
ing that if the Ammonites were defeated, then whatever 
came forth from his house to meet him on his return 
should be the Lord's, and should be offered as a burnt- 
offering; then leading his men to the attack, the Ammon- 



78 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

ites were overthrown with a very great slaughter. On 
his victorious return to his house, behold! his daughter 
came forth to meet him "with timbrels and dances; and 
she was his only child ; beside her he had neither son nor 
daughter." When Jephthah saw her, his joy was at once 
turned to mourning. He rent his clothes and told his 
child of the vow he had made. But the loving daughter 
heard the terrible words with pious resignation, saying, 
" My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the Lord, 
do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of 
thy mouth." One favor she asked, that she might bewail 
her fate upon the mountains for two months. At the end 
of that time her father did with her according to the vow 
which he had made. 

Quarrel with the Ephraimites.— The men of Ephra- 
im now quarrelled with Jephthah and the men of Gil- 
ead, because they had not been called upon to assist 
in the war against Ammon. A battle ensued in which 
the Ephraimites were overthrown. The Gileadites then 
seized the fords over the Jordan, and slew the Ephraim- 
ites as they attempted to pass over. The Ephraimites 
not being able to pronounce the word "Shibboleth," this 
was given to them as a test. So there fell of the men of 
Ephraim that day forty and two thousand. After ruling 
over Israel for six years, Jephthah died and was buried 
in one of the cities of Gilead. 

Ibzan. — Israel was then judged for seven years by 
Ibzan of Beth-lehem. 

Elon. — The next judge was Elon, of the tribe of Zebu- 
lun. He ruled for ten years. 

Abdon, the son of Hillel, then judged the land for eight 
years. Israel now fell under the power of the Philistines, 
who oppressed them for forty years. 

Samson. — Now there was a certain man of the tribe of 
Dan, named Manoah, whose wife bare him no children. 



FROM JOSHUA TO SAUL 79 

One day an angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and 
told her that she should have a son. He bade her not to 
drink wine nor strong drink, and not to eat any unclean 
thing. For the child was to be a Nazarite unto God from 
his birth, and he was destined to deliver Israel from the 
Philistines. A Nazarite was one who abstained from 
strong drink and unclean food, and did not cut his hair. 
In course of time the woman bare a son, and called his 
name Samson, "and the child grew, and the Lord blessed 
him." 

Samson's Riddle. — Although he was to prove their 
greatest enemy, Samson at first was friendly with the 
Philistines. Going to Timnath he saw there one of 
their women, and desired to have her to wife. His father 
and mother were vexed at his choice, wishing that he 
should marry an Israelite woman. But Samson was not 
to be moved; so he and his parents went down to Tim- 
nath. On the way a young lion came out and roared at 
Samson and he killed it. Journeying down on a later 
day to marry the woman of Timnath, he turned aside to 
view the carcass of the lion and, behold, a swarm of bees 
had settled in it. So he took of the honey and went on 
eating. 

The usual wedding-feast was held. Then Samson 
asked a riddle of the thirty Philistines who had been 
appointed his companions, the forfeit by the losing side 
to be thirty cloths, and thirty changes of garment. This 
was the riddle, "Out of the eater came forth meat, and 
out of the strong came forth sweetness;" and seven days 
were given for solving it. At the end of three days the 
Philistines went to Samson's wife pressing her to find out 
and tell them the answer, and threatening her with death 
by fire if she refused. Samson's wife wept before him, 
entreating him to tell her the answer. As she wept day 
by day Samson at last yielded, The woman told the 



80 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

Philistines, and on the seventh day they spake the answer, 
" What is sweeter than honey, and what is stronger than 
a lion?" Samson replied, "If ye had not ploughed with 
my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle." Going to 
Ashkelon he slew thirty of its men and gave their clothes 
to the Philistines. Then he returned in anger to his 
father's house. 

CHAPTER IX. 

Samson {continued). 

Samson's Exploits. — Some time after Samson went to 
Timnath to see his wife, and found that she had been 
married to one of his companions. His anger was kindled 
against the Philistines. Capturing three hundred foxes, 
he turned them tail to tail, and placed a firebrand between 
each pair. Having set the brands on fire he drove the 
foxes into the cornfields of his enemies, so that they 
burned up "both the shocks, and also the standing corn, 
with the vineyards and olives." The Philistines in 
revenge burnt Samson's wife and her father with fire. 
This again roused Samson's anger, and, after slaying 
many of them, he went and dwelt in the top of the rock 
Etam. 

The Philistines came up to fight with the men of Judah, 
and demanded that they should deliver Samson into their 
hands. Three thousand of the men of Judah scaled the 
rock of Etam, and having bound Samson with new ropes 
they brought him down. When the Philistines saw him 
captive they set up a great shout. But the spirit of the 
Lord came upon Samson, and he broke his cords, as if 
they were "flax that was burnt with fire." Then finding 
a jaw-bone of an ass he slew with it a thousand men. 

Samson's Fall. — Samson, being in Gaza, the inhab- 
itants lay in wait for him all night round about the city, 



FROM JOSHUA TO SAUL 81 

saying, "In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill 
him." But he arose at midnight, and taking the doors 
of the gates of the city, with the posts and bars, carried 
them up to the top of a hill near Hebron. 

After a time, Samson loved a woman in the valley of 
Sorek, whose name was Delilah. The lords of the Phi- 
listines offered her a very large bribe if she would find out 
the secret of Samson's strength, and how he might be 
overcome. Delilah, yielding to the desire of the Philis- 
tines, begged Samson again and again to tell her wherein 
lay his strength. Samson at first mocked her by telling 
her that if he were bound with "seven green withs," he 
would become weak and as another man. When tied 
with them, be broke them as if they were tow touched by 
the fire. Another time he said that if he were bound with 
ropes that had never been used, he would become weak. 
When, however, he was so fastened, he broke them as 
thread. Again he told Delilah that if she wove the seven 
locks of his hair with the web, all his strength would 
depart. She did so, but he walked away with the pin of 
the beam and with the web. But as she pressed him daily 
with her words, he, in an unlucky moment, "told her his 
whole heart," and said that he owed his strength to his 
being a Nazarite; and that if his hair were cut off he 
would become utterly weak. 

Delilah watched till Samson was soundly asleep; then, 
calling for a man, bade him shave off the seven locks of 
his head. Instantly his strength went from him ; and the 
Philistines, who were waiting the event, seized him, put 
out his eyes, and bound him with fetters of brass. They 
placed him in a prison-house, and made him grind their 
corn. 

Samson's Death. — To commemorate their victory, 
the Philistines prepared a great feast and sacrifice unto 
Dagon, their god. When their hearts were merry, they 
6 



82 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

sent for Samson to make sport before them. The temple 
was crowded with men and women, the lords and ladies 
of the Philistines, to the number of three thousand. 
Samson asked the lad who led him to allow him to feel the 
pillars that supported the roof, that he might lean upon 
them. Then, uttering a prayer to God for help and 
strength, and that he might be avenged for the loss of his 
two eyes, he seized the pillars of the temple, and, bowing 
himself with all his might, brought the whole structure 
to the ground. Thousands were killed, Samson himself 
being among the number. He had judged Israel twenty 
years, 

CHAPTER X. 

Ruth. 

Ruth. — Connected with the period of the later judges 
is the story of Ruth. In the days of Ibzan there was a 
famine in the land, and a certain man of Beth-lehem- Judah 
named Elimelech, together with his wife Naomi, and his 
two sons, went to dwell in the land of Moab. In course 
of time Elimelech died and his two sons married Moab- 
itish women, the name of the one being Orpah, and of the 
other Ruth. The sons dying also, their mother, Naomi, 
resolved to return to her native land. Naomi advised 
her daughters-in-law to remain in their own country. 
At first they refused, but after some persuasion Orpah 
made up her mind to stay in Moab. Ruth, however, was 
steadfast. She would not leave Naomi, saying, " Whither 
thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; 
thy people shall be my people; and thy God my God. 
Where thou direct, will I die, and there will I be buried. 
May the Lord do so to me and may He so continue, if 
aught but death shall put me from thee." 

So they journeyed to Beth-lehem, and when the people 






FROM JOSHUA TO SAUL 83 

saw the woman widowed and childless, they exclaimed, 
"Is this Naomi?" And she said unto them, "Call me 
not Naomi, call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very 
bitterly with me." 

Boaz. — Naomi had a rich kinsman, whose name was 
Boaz. While the corn harvest was going on, Boaz 
showed great kindness to Ruth, allowing her to glean 
after his reapers, and even bidding his men to "let fall 
some handfuls on purpose for her." He bade her also 
partake of the fare provided for his laborers, and not to 
leave his fields all the harvest. Ruth, by her faithfulness 
and modesty, so won the heart of Boaz, that he desired 
to take her unto him for a wife. But by the law a nearer 
kinsman had a prior right to marry the damsel. The 
kinsman, however, in the presence of the elders of the 
town, waived his claim, so that Boaz was wedded to Ruth. 
She bore him a son named Obed ; Obed begat Jesse, and 
Jesse begat David. 

CHAPTER XL 

Birth of Samuel— His Dedication to God's Service. 

Hannah. — Now there was a certain man named Elka- 
nah, who dwelt in Mount Ephraim. He had two wives, 
Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but 
Hannah had not, and this was the cause of great grief to 
her. At this time Eli was priest and judge, and he and 
his two sons ministered before the ark of God at Shiloh. 
As the years went by, Hannah's grief became greater, and 
she went up to the tabernacle of the Lord, and prayed and 
wept. And she made a vow that if God gave her a son 
she would dedicate him to His service, and he should be 
a Nazarite. As she continued praying, Eli noticed that 
though her lips moved her voice was not heard. Then 
Eli said to her, "How long wilt thou be drunken? Put 



84 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

away thy wine from thee." But Hannah answered, " No, 
my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have 
drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out 
my soul before the Lord." Then Eli answered, "Go in 
peace; and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that 
thou hast asked of Him." Hannah rose up with a joyful 
countenance. 

Samuel. — In course of time a son was born to her, and 
she called him Samuel. When she had weaned him, she 
took him with her to Shiloh, together with a freewill offer- 
ing of meat and flour and wine. She brought the child 
to Eli, and reminded him that she was the woman who 
had prayed for a son. Then she left him in the priest's 
charge, saying, "I have lent him to the Lord; as long as 
he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord." Hannah having 
poured out her gratitude to God in a beautiful prayer, 
returned with Elkanah to their home. 

A Prophet Reproves Eli. — Eli was now very old, and 
full of sorrow for the evil-doing of his sons. He rebuked 
them for their sins, but they hearkened not to the voice 
of their father. And a man of God came unto Eli, and 
warned him that destruction would come upon his house 
because of their iniquity. He gave Eli a sign of the truth 
of his prediction — that his two sons should be slain on one 
day. 

The Call of Samuel. — And it came to pass one night 
"when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began 
to wax dim, that he could not see." "And ere the lamp 
of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark 
of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep, that the 
Lord called Samuel, and he answered, Here am I." The 
child ran to Eli, and asked if he had called him, but Eli 
bade him lie down again. Again the voice called him, and 
again he went to inquire of Eli. And the Lord called 
Samuel a third time, and again he went to Eli. Then 



FROM JOSHUA TO SAUL 85 

"Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child." 
Therefore Eli advised Samuel to lie down again, and if 
he heard the voice calling him, to answer, "Speak, Lord, 
for Thy servant heareth." 

Again the Lord stood by Samuel and called him, and 
the lad answered as Eli had taught him. Then the Lord 
told Samuel of the sins of Eli's sons, and how punishment 
would come upon the house of Eli. In the morning 
Samuel opened the doors of the house of the Lord as was 
his wont, but was afraid to tell Eli the vision that he had 
seen. But when Eli pressed him to tell, then he narrated 
all he had heard. Then Eli answered, "It is the Lord: 
let Him do what seemeth Him good." After this the 
fame of Samuel became very great, and he was known 
from Dan to Beersheba as a prophet of God. 



CHAPTER XII. 

War with the Philistines— Capture of the Ark— Death 
of Eli and his Sons. 

War with the Philistines. — A war now broke out 
between the Israelites and the Philistines, and a pitched 
battle was fought, in which the Israelites were defeated. 
In sore dismay they resolved to send for the ark of the 
covenant, hoping that its presence would help to turn 
the fortune of war. Eli's sons brought the ark unto the 
camp, and when the Israelites saw it, they set up a great 
shout. The Philistines soon learned that the ark of God 
was in the Israelites' camp, and the knowledge filled them 
with dread. Still they nerved themselves for their task, 
and in a second battle overthrew the Israelites with great 
slaughter. The two priests were killed, and worst of all 
the ark of God was captured by the heathens. Now 
when Eli heard that the ark was taken he bowed his head 



86 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

and died. He was ninety and eight years old, and had 
ruled Israel forty years. 

The Ark Among the Philistines.— The Philistines 
took the ark of God and carried it in triumph to Ashdod, 
and placed it in the temple of Dagon, their fish-god. In 
the morning, "Behold Dagon was fallen upon his face to 
the earth before the ark of the Lord; and the head of 
Dagon, and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon 
the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him." 
In sore affright the Ashdodites sent the ark away from 
their town unto Gath. No sooner did it arrive there, than 
a great destruction fell upon the men of the city, and they 
hurried the ark to Ekron. But the Ekronites would not 
suffer the ark to remain with them, and it was carried 
about the land of the Philistines for seven months. 

The Ark Sent Back.— Acting upon the advice of their 
priests, the Philistines resolved to restore the ark to the 
Israelites. To give glory to the God of Israel they sent 
jewels of gold, as an offering, with it. The ark was sent 
to Beth-shemesh, and then to Kirjath-jearim, unto the 
house of Abinadab, and they sanctified Eleazar to keep 
the ark of the Lord. The ark remained in Kirjath- 
jearim twenty years. 

Samuel Prays for the People. — Then Samuel gathered 
all the people unto Mizpeh and prayed for them, and the 
people repented of their evil ways. The Philistines, hear- 
ing that Israel were assembled at Mizpeh, raised an army 
and pitched against them. The Israelites were afraid, 
and begged Samuel to cry unto the Lord for them. 
Samuel offered a sacrifice and prayed for his people. 
And the Philistines were discomfited, and smitten be- 
fore Israel. All the cities which they had taken from the 
Israelites were restored from Ekron even unto Gath. 
Samuel judged Israel henceforth all the days of his life. 
He made it a practice every year to travel to Bethel, Gil- 



FROM JOSHUA TO SAUL 87 

gal, and Mizpeh, there to judge the people; but he made 
his home in Ramah, where he built an altar unto the 
Lord. 

The People Desire a King. — When Samuel was old, 
he made his two sons, Joel and Abiah, judges over Israel. 
But his sons did evil, taking bribes and preventing judg- 
ment. Then the elders of Israel came to Samuel and 
asked him to appoint a king over them, who should judge 
them, as was the custom among all other nations. Sam- 
uel pointed out to the people the dangers they would run 
if they chose a king, how he would make their sons his 
servants; how he would raise an army; how he would 
seize upon their lands and their crops and their cattle. 
Nevertheless the people answered that they would have 
a king who should judge them and lead them forth to 
battle. Samuel, having received God's command to ap- 
point them a king, dismissed them to their homes. 

QUESTIONS. 

PART III. 

Chapter I. — Who took Moses's place as leader of the people ? To what 
city did Joshua send his spies? Who concealed the spies sent by Joshua ? 
What promise was made to Rahab, and why ? Describe the passage of the 
Israelites over the Jordan. 

Chapter II. — What city was taken first by the Israelites on their en- 
trance into Canaan ? Was the promise to Rahab carried out ? Account 
for the reverses met with at the siege of Ai. What is related of Achan ? 
Give an account of the capture of Ai. What did Joshua do on Mounts 
Ebal and Gerizim ? 

Chapter III. — By what means did the Gibeonites escape destruction ? 
What was their fate ? Where and how were the King of Jerusalem and his 
four allies overcome ? Of what part of Canaan did Joshua become mas- 
ter in his first campaign ? 

Chapter IV. — Whom did the Israelites defeat by the waters of Merom ? 
How many kingdoms did Joshua conquer ? How was the land divided ? 
What provision was made for the Levites ? What was Caleb's portion ? 



88 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

Name the cities of refuge. What was their object ? What tribes had their 
inheritance beyond the Jordan ? Why did the two and a half tribes build 
an altar? What does "Ed" mean? How old was Joshua at his death? 
Where was he buried ? Whose bones were buried at Shechem ? 

Chapter V. — What events succeeded the death of Joshua? Who first 
in Canaan enslaved the Israelites? Who was the first of the Judges to 
restore them to liberty? Who was Othniel? What was the Israelites' 
second oppression, and who relieved them ? Give an account of Ehud. 
Who judged Israel after Ehud? Who was Jabin? Give a brief account 
of Deborah? Who was Barak? Sisera? To whom did Sisera flee? 
What became of Sisera? In what passage of the Bible is Deborah's song 
to be found ? 

Chapter VI. — Who was Gideon? What was his reply when asked to 
lead the Israelites ? Why did his father call him Jerubbaal ? Who came 
to the valley of Jezreel to attack the Israelites ? How was Gideon's army 
reduced ? How did Gideon defeat the Midianites ? What was Gideon's 
reply when asked to rule over the people ? 

Chapter VII. — Who was Abimelech? Who was Jotham? Cite the 
parable of Jotham. On what occasion was it used ? What was the end of 
Abimelech ? Who were Tola and Jair ? 

Chapter VIII. — Narrate the early life of Jephthah. What was Jeph- 
thah's rash vow, and its fulfilment? What tribe quarrelled with Jeph- 
thah? Give the names of three judges after Jephthah. Who was Ma- 
noah ? What was the name of his son ? What was meant by Nazarite ? 
Give an account of Samson's riddle. 

Chapter IX. — What was Samson's reason for attacking the Philis- 
tines? Wherein did Samson's strength lie? By whom was Samson be- 
trayed? Give an account of Samson's death. How long did he judge 
Israel ? 

Chapter X. — Who was Ruth? What did she reply when asked by her 
mother-in-law to remain in her own country? Who was Boaz? To 
whom was Ruth married ? How was Ruth connected with the kings of 
Israel ? 

Chapter XI. — Who were Elkanah and Hannah ? Who was Eli ? Give 
an account of Hannah's meeting with Eli. What name did Hannah give 
her son ? How was Samuel called to the prophetic office ? 

Chapter XII. — What befell the ark? What was the cause of Eli's 
death ? What circumstances attended the possession of the ark by the 
Philistines? With whom did it remain after it was returned by them? 
In what city did Samuel make his home? Whither did he go to judge 
the Israelites? Who were Joel and Abiah? What causes led to the 
establishment of a kingdom ? Who was the last of the judges? 






PART IV. 

FROM SAUL TO THE DEATH OF SOLOMON. 

CHAPTER I. 
Saul Made King. — His First Offence. 

Saul Chosen King.— Now there was a man of the tribe 
of Benjamin, whose name was Kish. He had a son, 
Saul; "a choice young man and a goodly," "from his 
shoulders and upward he was higher than any of his 
people." One day the asses of Kish were lost, and he 
sent his son Saul and a servant to look for them. The 
search was vain ; and, after passing through many lands, 
the men came to a city where a prophet of God was stay- 
ing, of whom they determined to ask advice. This 
prophet was none other than Samuel. He was awaiting 
Saul's approach, for the Lord had. previously informed 
him of it. Saul drew near to Samuel and asked him 
where the seer's house was. Samuel answered, "I am 
the seer," and then he bade Saul tarry with him, and he 
would show him what was in his heart. Samuel con- 
tinued, "And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it 
not on thee and all thy father's house?" And Saul 
answered and said, "Am not I a Benjamite, of the small- 
est of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of 
all the families of the tribe of Benjamin?" 

There happened to be a sacrifice and a feast in the city 
that day, and Samuel placed Saul in the chief place, and 
showed him great distinction. Next day Saul and his 

89 



90 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

servant set out on their way home, and Samuel accom- 
panied them. Then Samuel, having sent the servant 
forward, took a vial of oil and anointed Saul, and told 
him that the Lord had chosen him captain over His 
inheritance. Then he spoke to him of certain signs 
which should prove the truth of his announcement. 
Lastly Samuel told Saul to meet him at Gilgal, and so 
departed. And God gave Saul a new heart, and all the 
signs promised by Samuel came true. One was that he 
was met by a company of prophets, and the spirit of God 
came upon him, and he began to prophesy. From this 
circumstance arose the proverb, "Is 'Saul also amongst 
the prophets ?" 

Saul's Election Confirmed.— After this Samuel assem- 
bled the people at Mizpeh and told them to choose a king 
by lot; and the lot fell upon Saul. Then Samuel said: 
"See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is 
none like him among all the people ? And all the people 
shouted and said, God save the King." Then all Israel 
went to their homes, and Saul returned to Gibeah. 

Wax with the Ammonites. — The qualities of Saul 
were soon put to the test. Nahash, the Ammonite, be- 
sieged the town of Jabesh-Gilead. No sooner did Saul 
hear of this, than he assembled all Israel and Judah in 
Bezek to the number of three hundred and thirty thou- 
sand men and overthrew the Ammonites in a decisive 
battle. Then Samuel said to the people, "Come, and 
let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there." And 
the people went to Gilgal, and offered sacrifices and re- 
joiced greatly. 

Saul's First Offence. — There was now continual war- 
fare between the Israelites and the Philistines. Saul, in 
the second year of his reign, had raised an army of three 
thousand men. The Philistines, however, came up in 
such multitudes that the Israelites were dismayed and hid 



FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 91 

themselves in pits and caves. Saul was now at Gilgal, 
and was waiting for Samuel who had appointed to meet 
him there on a certain day. Samuel did not appear at 
the time appointed, and Saul took it upon himself to offer 
a burnt offering unto God. Immediately after Samuel 
arrived, and was wroth with Saul for what he had done. 
He told Saul that his kingdom should not continue, and 
that the Lord had chosen another to be captain over His 
people; and so he departed. The vast host of the Philis- 
tines remained encamped in Michmash, and Saul and his 
son Jonathan, together with only six hundred men, abode 
in Gibeah. 

CHAPTER II. 

Saul's Wars.— David Anointed King. 

Overthrow of the Philistines.— It came to pass one 
day that Jonathan and his armor-bearer went out secretly 
to spy out the Philistines. And Jonathan said, "If the 
Philistines see us and say, Tarry where you are, then we 
will stand still; but if they say, Come up unto us, then we 
will go up, for that will be a sign that the Lord has de- 
livered them into our hands." Directly the Philistines 
beheld the two Israelites they exclaimed, "Come up to 
us." Then Jonathan and his armor-bearer fell upon the 
enemy and killed about twenty of them. A panic now 
spread among the Philistines, increased by an earthquake, 
and they began to disperse, beating each other down as 
they ran. Then the Israelites fell upon the retreating 
host and discomfited them with great slaughter. Before 
entering the fight Saul had made the people swear that 
they would taste no food till nightfall. Jonathan, not 
knowing of the oath and being very faint, partook of some 
wild honey. When this was discovered Saul said that 
Jonathan must die, but the people rescued him. 



92 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

Saul's Second Offence. — Saul was now commanded to 
take vengeance upon the Amalekites, because they had 
lain in wait for the Israelites when they came up out of 
Egypt. He was to destroy them entirely and everything 
they had. Saul smote the Amalekites, but spared Agag 
their king, together with the best of the sheep and the oxen 
and all that was good. Samuel rebuked Saul for his dis- 
obedience, and turned away from him in wrath. But 
Saul put forth his hand and seized Samuel's mantle and it 
was torn. And Samuel said, "The Lord hath rent the 
kingdom of Israel from thee, and hath given it to a neigh- 
bor of thine that is better than thou." Then Samuel slew 
Agag with his own hand, and departed to Ramah. He 
never saw Saul again; nevertheless he mourned for his 
backslidings. 

David Chosen King. — The Lord commanded Samuel 
to take a horn of oil and to go to Beth-lehem unto the 
house of Jesse, and anoint one of his sons as king. Ar- 
rived at his destination, Jesse caused seven of his sons to 
pass before the seer, but the Lord gave no sign to Samuel 
that any of these had been selected for the kingly office. 
Then Samuel asked Jesse if these were all his children, 
and Jesse replied, "There remaineth yet the youngest, 
and behold, he keepeth the sheep." Samuel ordered him 
to be fetched, and directly he appeared Samuel knew that 
this was the chosen of the Lord. So he anointed him in 
the midst of his brethren, and then departed to Ramah. 
"And the spirit of the Lord came upon David from that 
day forward." 

Saul meanwhile grew more and more despondent in 
his mind, and his servants counselled him to find a harper 
to play before him and soothe his troubled spirit. Now 
David was famed for his skill upon the harp, so Saul sent 
to Jesse, asking him to let his son minister unto him. 
Jesse consented, and sent his son to the royal camp, bear- 



FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 93 

ing a present with him. When Saul saw David he loved 
him greatly, and made him his armor-bearer. And 
whenever Saul grew moody, David played before him 
and restored him to cheerfulness. 



CHAPTER III. 
David and Goliath. 

David and Goliath. — Again the Philistines gathered 
together their armies and encamped opposite the host of 
the Israelites, and there was a valley between them. 
Among the Philistines there was a mighty giant named 
Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 
He was clothed in ponderous armor- coat and greaves, 
helmet and target of brass, and his spear was like a 
weaver's beam. Day by day for forty days this warrior 
came before the Israelites and defied any one of them to 
do battle with him, and not one of them dared accept the 
challenge. It chanced one day that David arrived at the 
camp carrying provisions to his three eldest brothers, who 
were serving with Saul. As he was talking with them, 
behold the champion of the Philistines came forth, hurl- 
ing his challenge at affrighted Israel. 

Then David asked what reward should that man have 
who fought with Goliath. The people answered that the 
king would bestow great riches upon him, and give him 
his daughter in marriage, and make his father's house free 
from taxation forever. But his eldest brother rebuked 
David for remaining in the camp, and bade him go home 
and tend his sheep. David, however, remained, and his 
presence in the camp was reported to Saul, who sent for him. 

Entering the king's presence, David at once offered to 
go and battle with Goliath. But Saul answered, "Thou 
art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, 



94 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his 
youth." Then David told Saul how, while he was tend- 
ing his father's flocks, he had fought with a lion and a bear 
and had slain them. He felt sure that the Lord who had 
delivered him from those animals, would deliver him from 
the Philistine. And Saul said to David, "Go, and the 
Lord be with thee." Saul then placed his own armor 
upon David, and girt him with his sword, but the shep- 
herd youth could not move under the weight, so he put 
them off. 

He took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth 
stones from the brook, which he placed in his scrip, and 
armed with these only and his sling he went out to face 
the giant. When the terrible Philistine beheld David he 
disdained him and cried, "Am I a dog that thou comest 
to me with stones?" David replied, "Thou comest to 
me with a sword and with a spear and with a shield ; but 
I come to thee in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God 
of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied." Then 
slinging a stone, David smote the Philistine in the fore- 
head and brought him to the earth. Running up to the 
prostrate form he cut off the head of Goliath with his own 
sword. Seeing their hero slain the army of the Philis- 
tines fled, and were pursued by the Israelites with great 
slaughter. David brought the head of Goliath to Jeru- 
salem, but kept his armor as a trophy. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Saul Jealous of David.— The Love of David 
and Jonathan. 

Saul and David. — A great friendship sprang up be- 
tween Jonathan, the son of Saul, and David. The char- 
acter of Jonathan is a very beautiful one, for though he 



I 



FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 95 

saw David becoming the idol of the people, still his soul 
"was knit with the soul of David." This friendship was 
never broken. 

Saul and David now returned in triumph from the war. 
The women of Israel came out to meet them, singing and 
dancing. As they played, the women answered each 
other and said, " Saul hath slain his thousands, and David 
his ten thousands." Hearing these words Saul grew 
angry, and looked upon David with great displeasure. 
One day while David was playing the harp in the royal 
tent, Saul cast a javelin at him twice, to kill him. He also 
removed the young hero from his immediate person, and 
made him a captain over a thousand men. 

Michal. — The king, mindful of his former promise, 
now offered his daughter Merab in marriage to David. 
But David had no desire for the union, and therefore ex- 
pressed himself as unworthy to become the king's son-in- 
law. But Michal, the king's younger daughter, loved 
David. Hearing of it Saul was pleased, for he hoped to 
ensnare the young man to his death. He promised his 
consent to the marriage if David would undertake to slay 
one hundred of the Philistines. Saul hoped that David 
might be killed in the fray, but David and his men slew 
two hundred of the enemy. "And Saul gave him Michal 
his daughter to wife." 

Jonathan Intercedes for David.— Saul was still de- 
termined to take the life of David, and asked his son and 
his servants to aid him. But Jonathan earnestly begged 
his father to spare David, who had risked his life to fight 
the king's enemies. Saul listened to his son, and swore 
by the Lord that David should not be slain, and even 
received him back into his presence. 

Saul again Seeks David's Life. — The evil spirit of the 
Lord was again upon Saul, and again he attempted to 
slay David. David escaped to his own home. The mes- 



96 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

sengers of Saul surrounded the house, and Michal let him 
down from a window at night. He fled to Samuel at 
Ramah. When Saul heard of it he sent his servants to 
capture him, but when they approached the place where 
Samuel was instructing the school of the prophets, they 
also began to prophesy. A second attempt to seize David 
led to a similar result. Then Saul himself went to 
Ramah, and the spirit of God came upon him, and he 
prophesied also. From this circumstance also arose the 
saying, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" 

David and Jonathan. — Returning from Ramah, David 
poured out his soul to Jonathan and said, "What have I 
done ? what is mine iniquity ? and what is my sin before 
thy father, that he seeketh my life?" Jonathan tried to 
reassure David, saying that as he was in his father's confi- 
dence, he knew the king intended no harm. But David 
was not convinced, so they devised a plan by which they 
might discover Saul's real intent. The next day being 
the New Moon, and therefore a holiday, David absented 
himself from the king's table. The king noticed that his 
place was empty, but said nothing. 

The next day David was again away. Then Saul 
inquired of Jonathan, "Wherefore cometh not the son of 
Jesse to meat, neither yesterday nor to-day ? " Jonathan 
had prepared an answer, and at once replied that he had 
given David permission to be present at a family sacrifice 
at his own city. Saul could no longer restrain his anger. 
He loaded his son with abuse, and ordered him to send 
for David immediately, for he should surely be put to 
death. Jonathan exclaimed, "Wherefore shall he be 
slain? What hath he done?" Saul in uncontrollable 
rage hurled his javelin at Jonathan to smite him. Jona- 
than rose from the table in fierce rage, and ate no food 
that day. 

The following day he went out into a field, as he had 



FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 97 

arranged with David, taking with him his weapons and 
a little lad. David was hidden not far off. Jonathan 
shot an arrow from his bow, and when the lad went to 
recover it he cried out loudly, "Is not the arrow beyond 
thee? Make speed, haste, stay not." This was the sig- 
nal arranged between the two men, in case Jonathan 
found that the king still sought the life of his friend. The 
lad, who was not in the secret, having departed, David 
arose from his hiding-place. And Jonathan said to 
David, "Go in peace, forasmuch as we have sworn both 
of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be be- 
tween me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed 
for ever. And he arose and departed: and Jonathan 
went into the city." 



CHAPTER V. 
David an Exile.— His Wanderings.— Death of Samuel. 

David and the Shewbread. — When David fled from 
Saul, he took refuge with Ahimelech the priest, in the city 
of Nob. Famished with his long journey, he begged 
Ahimelech to give him a store of bread. But there was 
none at hand save the shewbread ; and, although it was 
considered sacred, David, in his necessity, did not scruple 
to partake of it. He then asked the priest for a weapon, 
and Ahimelech gave him the sword of Goliath, which had 
been preserved there behind the Ephod. It chanced that 
one of Saul's servants, Doeg, encountered David in the 
city of Nob. This chance meeting bore fatal fruit later 
on. 

David's Wanderings. — The fear of Saul still haunted 

David, and he fled to Achish, King of Gath. Finding that 

his former hostility to the Philistines was remembered 

against him, he feigned madness. But he found less 

7 



98 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

favor than before, so he escaped, and abode in the cave 
of Adullam, where he gathered a following of about 400 
men of those who were discontented with Saul's rule. 

After a time, David went to Mizpeh in Moab, but was 
warned by a prophet to return to the land of Judah. 
Saul, hearing of this, reproached his servants for not rid- 
ding him of his enemy. It was on this occasion that Doeg 
informed the king of his meeting with David in Nob. 
Saul instantly sent for Ahimelech, and, after reproaching 
him, ordered him to be slain. But none of Saul's follow- 
ers would raise their hand against the Lord's priest. But 
Doeg had no such scruples. He smote Ahimelech, to- 
gether with eighty-five priests, with the edge of the sword, 
and plundered the city of Nob. 

David's Wars with the Philistines.— It was told to 
David that the Philistines were raiding at Keilah. En- 
couraged by a message from God, David led his men 
against his ancient foes and smote them with great 
slaughter. Saul, hearing of this exploit, made another 
attempt to capture David. But David and his following 
fled, and took refuge in the wilderness of Ziph. The 
Ziphites would have betrayed David into the hand of 
Saul, so once more he fled, first to the wilderness of Ma- 
on, and afterward to Engedi. At this moment tidings 
reached Saul that the Philistines had invaded the land, 
so he turned from the pursuit of David. 

David and Saul Reconciled. — Having routed the 
Philistines Saul again returned to his pursuit of David. 
On one occasion, Saul rested in the very cave in which 
David and his men lay hid. David's followers urged him 
to kill the king. But David would not raise his hand 
against the Lord's anointed, but he cut off* a portion of 
his robe. When Saul had left the cave and gone on his 
way, David went after him and called to the king, and 
bowed himself to the earth. He then showed him the por- 



FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 99 

tion of his robe, and told him that he had spared his life. 
David entreated the king to desist from the pursuit of one 
who had never wronged him. "The Lord therefore be 
judge, and judge between me and thee, and see and plead 
my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand." Hearing 
these words, the heart of Saul melted. He wept, saying, 
"Thou art more righteous than I." Telling David that 
he knew he was destined by God to succeed to the king- 
dom, he bade him swear to spare his family, so that his 
name should not be cut off. David sware unto Saul, and 
so they parted. 

David and Abigail. — "And Samuel died: and all the 
Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and 
buried him in his house at Ramah." 

David now abode in the wilderness of Paran. There 
was a certain man, dwelling in Carmel, named Nabal, 
who was exceedingly rich in sheep and goats. David and 
his followers had always protected him ; and, hearing : that 
he was keeping a shearing-feast, he sent some of his young 
men to crave a present. Nabal churlishly refused to give 
anything; and David armed his men, to take by force 
what he had previously solicited. But Abigail, the wife 
of Nabal, a woman as wise as her husband was foolish, 
hastened to David with a present of bread and wine, 
raisins and figs. But she said no word to Nabal of her 
proceedings. She met David marching with his men, 
and, throwing herself at his feet, entreated him to forgive 
the folly of her husband. Moved by her beauty and 
eloquence, David was appeased, and consented to receive 
the present she had prepared. Abigail returned home, 
but told her husband nothing. The next day she re- 
counted to him her meeting with David. The heart of 
Nabal fainted within him, and in ten days he died. 
Afterward David married Abigail. 

Saul Again in David's Power. — David having taken 



100 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

refuge in the wilderness of Ziph, Saul went down with 
three thousand men to capture him. David noticed 
where the king lay, and taking Abishai, the brother of 
Joab, with him in the dead of night, he stood by the side 
of Saul, who "lay sleeping within the trench, and his 
spear stuck in the ground at his bolster." Abishai begged 
David to let him slay Saul with the spear; but David 
shrank in horror from the thought. Taking the king's 
spear and his cruse of water, he silently left the camp, and 
climbed to the top of a hill a goodly way off. Then rous- 
ing the king's host, he reproached Abner and the other 
captains for their careless watch round the king's person, 
showing them at the same time the spear and cruse he had 
taken from the king's bedside. Then turning to Saul he 
entreated him to desist from his persecution, which had 
driven him " from abiding in the inheritance of the Lord," 
and had forced him into exile from the Holy Land. 
Saul's heart yearned to David at these words. He con- 
fessed that he had acted sinfully, and having blessed 
David, they went on their several ways. 

To avoid further pursuit, David again took up his 
abode among the Philistines, Achish, King of Gath, hav- 
ing assigned to him the city of Ziklag. While dwelling 
here he made some incursions against the Geshurites, the 
Gezrites, and the Amalekites. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Saul and the Witch of En-dor.— Death of Saul. 

The Witch of En-dor. — Another war now broke out 
between Israel and the Philistines; and David with his 
followers felt compelled to take the field in the train of 
Achish. Yet he entertained a secret hope, afterward 
justified, that he should be spared the bitterness of fight 



FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 101 

ing against his own people. The Philistine army was 
encamped in Shunem, while Israel pitched in Gilboa. 
Saul, looking upon the enormous hosts of the enemy, 
waxed afraid. He inquired of the Lord, but "the Lord 
answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor 
by prophets." Then Saul bade his servants find out a 
woman with a familiar spirit — one who pretended she 
could communicate with the spirits of the dead — that he 
might inquire of her. And they found him such a one 
living at En-dor. 

Saul, disguising himself, went to her at night, and asked 
her to use her art and raise a certain person whom he 
should name. But the woman answered that she dared 
not use her powers, as the king punished such an offence 
with death. Saul swore to her that she should sustain no 
harm, and commanded her to bring up Samuel. When 
the woman saw the prophet appear, she cried to the king, 
" Why hast thou deceived me ? for thou art Saul. " Saul 
asked the witch to describe the form that had risen ; and 
the king, recognizing it to be Samuel, bowed himself to 
the earth. Samuel sternly rebuked Saul for disquieting 
his rest. He further announced to the king that God had 
departed from him, and had given the kingdom to David; 
that the Israelites should be conquered by the Philistines, 
and that Saul and his sons should be with him on the 
morrow. Hearing these dismal warnings, the king fell 
his full length on the floor in an agony of fear. After 
much persuasion he arose, and partook of a little food, 
and left the place that night. 

David Dismissed by the Philistines.— The Israelites 
now moved their camp to Jezreel, while the Philistines 
gathered at Aphek. A review of the Philistine army was 
held, and the commanders were troubled to see David in 
their midst, fearing treachery. So David and his follow- 
ers were dismissed, and they returned to Ziklag. 



102 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

David Encounters the Amalekites. — Here David 
found a new trouble awaiting him. During his absence 
with the Philistines, the Amalekites had made an incur- 
sion, had burned Ziklag, and carried away its inhabitants 
(among whom were the two wives of David) into captivity. 
David was in perplexity, for with his small band of six 
hundred men, he was afraid to pursue after the Amalek- 
ites. He inquired of the Lord, through Abiathar the 
priest, and received a favorable reply. So he turned after 
the enemy; but when he reached the brook Besor, two 
hundred of his men were so exhausted that they could 
proceed no further. With the remaining four hundred 
he came up with the hosts of the enemy, who were spread 
abroad, eating, drinking, and dancing. He instantly at- 
tacked them, and slew the whole army with the exception 
of a few hundred men. He recovered all that the Am- 
alekites carried away, both the captives and the spoil, and 
rescued his own wives. 

Retracing their way to Ziklag, the little army came up 
with the men who had been left at Besor. The more 
covetous of David's followers wished to deprive these of 
any portion of the spoil, as they had not been engaged in 
the actual fighting. But David would not hear of this; 
so all shared alike — those who went down into the battle 
and those who stayed with the baggage. This became a 
statute and an ordinance in Israel. David very wisely 
gave away a portion of his share of the spoil unto the 
Elders of Judah, and to his friends in the various cities 
where he had been wont to dwell. 

Death of Saul. — The battle so long threatened be- 
tween Israel and the Philistines was at length fought in 
Mount Gilboa. The Israelites were defeated with great 
slaughter, and Saul's three sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, 
and Melchishua, were slain. Saul, too, was grievously 
wounded, so he begged his armor-bearer to slay him lest 



FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 103 

he should fall into the hands of the enemy. But his 
armor-bearer refused, " therefore Saul took a sword and 
fell upon it;" and his armor-bearer did the same. And 
the men of Israel dwelling on the other side of Jordan fled 
from their cities, and the Philistines took possession. On 
the morrow of the battle the Philistines found Saul and 
his sons among the slain. They cut off his head, and 
stripped off his armor, which they placed in the temple of 
Ashtaroth. They then nailed his body to the wall of 
Beth-shan. But some of the valiant inhabitants of 
Jabesh-Gilead went at night and took the bodies of Saul 
and his sons from Beth-shan, carried them to Jabesh, and 
burnt them there. They buried the bones under a tree 
at Jabesh, and fasted seven days. 



CHAPTER VII. 

David King Over Judah (1058 B.C.E.).— The Ark 
brought to Jerusalem. 

David's Lament. — At the time of Saul's death, David 
was engaged in punishing the Amalekites. Three days 
after the battle in Gilboa, an Amalekite, who had escaped 
from the Jewish camp, came to David and told him that 
the Israelites had been worsted in the fight, and that Saul 
and Jonathan were dead. David doubted this, and asked 
the man for proof of his words. The Amalekite, thinking 
to gain favor in the sight of David, confessed that he him- 
self had slain Saul at his own request. He also produced 
the crown and bracelet worn by the king. 

Then David rent his clothes, and mourned and wept, 
and fasted unto even. Calling for the Amalekite he bade 
one of his followers to slay him, for daring to lift his hand 
against the Lord's anointed. Then he gave vent to his 
grief in his touching lament for Saul and Jonathan. 



104 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

" The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how 
are the mighty fallen. ... Ye mountains of Gilboa, let 
there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor 
fields of offerings; for there the shield of the mighty is 
cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been 
anointed with oil. . . . Saul and Jonathan were lovely 
and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not 
divided ; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger 
than lions. ... I am distressed for thee, my brother 
Jonathan; very dear hast thou been unto me: thy love 
to me was wonderful, passing the love of women." 

The Kingdom Divided. — The tribe of Judah at once 
recognized the sovereignty of David. He took up his 
abode in Hebron (1058 B.C.E.) where he reigned seven 
years and six months. But Abner, captain of Saul's host, 
took Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, and made him king over 
Gilead, and the Ashurites, and Jezreel and Ephraim, and 
over all Israel. Ishbosheth was then forty years old, and 
he reigned two years. One day the followers of David, 
led by Joab, and the servants of Ishbosheth under Abner, 
met by the pool of Gibeon. They soon came to blows, 
and Abner and his men were routed and driven from the 
field. 

Wax Between the Houses of Saul and David. — 
There was a long war between the rival kings; but David 
grew stronger as his rival waxed weaker and weaker. 
But the feud was brought to an end through a serious 
quarrel between Ishbosheth and Abner, his chief sup- 
porter. Abner at once sent to David, offering to place the 
kingdom of Israel under his rule, and as an earnest of his 
intention delivered unto him his wife Michal. A meet- 
ing soon took place between David and Abner, and they 
made a league together. Abner departed to carry out his 
offer. 

Meanwhile Joab, who had been absent from the camp 



FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 105 

on a warlike expedition, returned, and learned that Abner 
had been closeted with the king. Joab hated Abner for 
slaying his brother Asahel in the fight at Gibeon. At once 
he went to David and warned him that Abner was not to 
be trusted, and that he had only come to spy out the king's 
strength. It seems that he could not persuade David to 
his belief, so he secretly sent a messenger after Abner, ask- 
ing him to return to the camp. When Abner returned 
Joab went up to him as if to speak quietly with him, and 
plunged a dagger in his heart. David was shocked at this 
act of treachery, and proclaimed his own guiltlessness of 
the deed. He mourned for Abner, calling him a prince 
and a great man. 

Death of Ishbosheth. — The death of Abner ruined the 
cause of Ishbosheth. Two of his servants conspired 
against him, and slew him as he lay on his bed. They 
then hurried to David and told him what they had done. 
David's wrath was kindled as he heard the recital of this 
cruel deed, and he ordered the murderers to be hanged. 

David Undisputed King (1051 B.C.E.).— The tribes 
of Israel readily submitted to David. He was now thirty 
years old, and he reigned forty years. David now at- 
tacked and captured Jerusalem, a city of the Jebusites. 
He fortified it and called it the city of David. "And 
David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of 
Hosts was with him." His fame reached the distant city 
of Tyre on the Mediterranean. Hiram, its king, sent 
messengers unto David, carrying with them cedar- trees. 
He also supplied carpenters and masons, and they built 
a palace for David. Twice the Philistines came up "to 
seek David," and twice he overthrew them and burned 
their idols. 

The Ark of God Brought to Jerusalem. — David mus- 
tered thirty thousand chosen men to fetch the ark of God 
from Baale-jehudah. In a rough path the oxen carry- 



106 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

ing the ark stumbled, and Uzzah, who was in charge of 
it, laid hold of the ark to prevent its falling, and he died 
there. " David was afraid of the Lord that day, and said, 
How shall the ark of the Lord come to me?" So David 
found a temporary resting-place for the ark in the house 
of Obed-edom the Gittite, where it remained three months 
and brought a blessing on the household. David then 
brought the ark, with music and dancing and sacrifices, 
to the city of David. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
David's Various Wars.— His Sin with Bath-sheba. 

David Wishes to Build a Temple.— David was now 

at peace with all the nations round him. Full of gratitude 
to God he yearned to substitute a temple for the tent, in 
which abode the ark. He consulted Nathan the prophet, 
who encouraged his desire. That night God appeared 
unto Nathan, and bade him tell David that he should not 
build a house of God, but that his seed after him should 
build a house for His name. He was also to convey the 
assurance to David that his throne should be established 
through his offspring forever. David listened to the 
words of Nathan, and bowed his head in submission to 
God. 

David's Wars. — The peace was soon broken, and 
David found himself at war with various nations. He 
subdued the Philistines, the Moabites, the Syrians (who 
had come to assist the king of Zobah). Returning with 
a vast booty, he consecrated to God all the vessels of gold, 
silver, and brass, which he had captured from his enemies. 

Mephibosheth. — David never forgot his love for Jona- 
than. He made inquiries, and found that a lame son of 
Jonathan, named Mephibosheth, was still living. He 



FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 107 

sent for him to his palace, spoke kindly to him, and re- 
stored to him all the land belonging to his grandfather 
Saul. He also made him eat at the king's table all his 
life. 

Further Wars. — The King of Ammon having died, 
David sent a message of comfort to his son and successor, 
Hanun. But the Ammonites insulted the servants of 
David. Fearing the king of Israel's anger, the men of 
Ammon made an alliance with the Syrians. David over- 
threw their combined armies, and later on defeated the 
Syrians again. 

David and Bath-sheba. — The following year David 
sent an army under Joab to besiege Rabbah, a city of 
Ammon, while he himself remained in Jerusalem. One 
evening he beheld a beautiful woman, whose name was 
Bath-sheba, the wife of Uriah, one of his captains. He 
sent to Joab, bidding him place Uriah where the battle 
would be hottest, and if they saw him attacked to retire 
from him so that he might be killed. Joab carried out 
the king's instructions, and Uriah was slain in the assault 
on the city. "And when the wife of Uriah heard that 
Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her hus- 
band. And when the mourning was passed, David sent 
and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and 
bare him a son. But the thing that David had done dis- 
pleased the Lord." 

The Parable of the Ewe Lamb.— The Lord sent 
Nathan the prophet unto David, and he said unto him: 
There were two men in one city, one rich, the other poor. 
The rich man had many flocks and herds, but the poor 
man had but one little ewe lamb, which he loved and 
tended and cherished, and which was to him as a daugh- 
ter. Now there came a traveller to the rich man, and he 
spared to take of his own flock to feed the stranger, but he 
took the poor man's lamb. David's anger was aroused 



108 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

at the recital, and he exclaimed, "As the Lord liveth, the 
man that hath done this thing shall die." And Nathan 
said to David, "Thou art the man." Then recalling all 
the favors that God had heaped upon David, he an- 
nounced that evil should comei upon the king out of his 
own house. 

David confessed humbly that he had sinned, and 
Nathan replied that the Lord would put away his sin, 
but that the child that should be born to him should die. 
And so it came to pass, for the child sickened unto death. 

David lay on the ground and fasted, but on the seventh 
day it died. He arose from the earth and anointed him- 
self, and went to the house of God and worshipped, and 
broke his fast. David's attendants wondered at his con- 
duct, but he replied that while the child was alive he 
fasted and wept, hoping that God would spare it, but now 
that it was dead fasting was vain. "Can I bring him 
back again ? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to 
me." Bath-sheba bare another son to David, whom he 
called Solomon. The Lord loved him, and commanded 
that he be called " Jedidiah." 

Amnon and Tamar. — Amnon, one of the king's sons, 
insulted Tamar, the sister of Absalom, and his own half- 
sister. Absalom hated Amnon on this account, and hav- 
ing invited him to a sheep-shearing, caused him to be 
slain. Absalom, fearing his father's anger, fled to Geshur 
and dwelt there three years. 

Joab's Stratagem. — Joab perceived that the king's 
heart yearned toward Absalom. He dared not propose 
to bring the son into the father's presence, so he prompted 
a wise woman of Tekoah to speak a parable to the king. 
She said she had two sons, and that one slew the other in 
a quarrel. As a consequence, all the family had arisen 
against the surviving son. But she had no desire that 
they should slay him, who was the only one left to her. 



FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 109 

The king at once promised to protect him from the vio- 
lence of his kinsmen. The woman then carefully turned 
the parable to meet the king's own case. David divined 
that Joab's hand was in all this, and the woman confessed 
as much. He sent for Joab, and bade him bring Absalom 
to Jerusalem, but he could not yet bring himself to see 
him. So Absalom abode in Jerusalem for two years, 
after which he was fully reconciled to his father. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Absalom's Rebellion.— David's Flight and Return.— 
Absalom's Death. 

Absalom's Revolt. — Absalom soon forgot the mercy 
shown to him by his father, the king. He obtained 
chariots and horses, and appointed fifty men to run before 
him. He also won the favor of the people, by showing 
marked attention to those who came to Jerusalem to at- 
tend the courts of justice. To rouse the tribes of Israel 
he sent spies throughout the land, telling them to await 
his signal for a general rising. Then, having obtained 
the king's permission, he set out for Hebron with 200 
men, and there proclaimed himself king. Among those 
who accompanied Absalom was Ahithophel, who was re- 
nowned for his wisdom. The conspiracy grew stronger, 
as each day more men joined Absalom's standard. 

David's Flight. — When the report of these doings 
reached David, he at once saw that he could not resist his 
rebellious son. Collecting his family and dependents, 
he fled toward the way of the wilderness. Zadok the 
priest, with the ark of God, and Abiathar accompanied 
him, but he sent them back to Jerusalem that they might 
inform him what was doing there. He also commanded 
his friend Hushai to remain near Absalom's person and 



110 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

defeat the counsel of Ahithophel; and as David went up 
the ascent of Mount Olivet, he wept and had his head 
covered and went barefoot, and all that were with him 
went up weeping. When David reached the top of the 
hill, he was met by Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, 
bearing food and wine. But farther on, Shimei, one of 
the family of Saul, came forth and cursed David, and 
flung dust and stones. Absalom set up his court in Jeru- 
salem and received Hushai as one of his counsellors. 

Ahithophel' s Advice. — Ahithophel advised Absalom to 
pursue David at once with an army of twelve thousand 
men. But Absalom consulted Hushai before taking any 
steps. Hushai, intent upon serving his friend David, 
counselled the king to reject Ahithophel's plan, and to 
gather all Israel from Dan to Beersheba, so that Absalom 
might place himself at the head of an invincible army. 
His object, of course, was to allow David plenty of time 
to escape. Absalom listened to the words of Hushai, and 
Ahithophel, annoyed that his advice was rejected, hanged 
himself in his house. Hushai informed David secretly 
of what was doing in Jerusalem. The king fled across 
the Jordan to Mahanaim, where he was kindly received. 
Absalom, relentless in his pursuit, also crossed the Jordan, 
and encamped his army in the land of Gilead. 

Death of Absalom. — David divided his army of twelve 
thousand men between three trusty captains. As they 
went forth to join battle with their pursuers, the king 
entreated them not to deal harshly with Absalom. The 
battle was long and terrible, and the people of Israel were 
slain before the servants of David. Absalom, mounted 
on a mule, fled for his life, but passing under an oak, the 
boughs caught him up and held him by his beautiful long 
hair. Unable to extricate himself, he was slain byjoab 
and his attendants. The news of the victory was carried 
to David, but any joy he might have felt was marred by 






FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 111 

the tidings of his soil's death. He retired to his chamber 
weeping, and as he went he cried, "O my son Absalom, 
my son, my son Absalom ! would God I had died for thee, 
O Absalom, my son, my son!" 

David's Return to Jerusalem. — The grief of the king 
cast a gloom upon his followers. Joab remonstrated 
with David, because he had shamed the faces of the men 
who had saved his life and the lives of his family. So 
David hid his grief, and sat at the gate as usual. The 
people of Israel were now as anxious for David's return 
as they had hitherto been to join in Absalom's revolt. 
The king returned in triumph; his army increasing day 
by day. On his way back he was met by Shimei, who fell 
down before the king and craved his forgiveness. David 
readily pardoned him. But now another trouble arose. 
The men of Judah who had remained faithful to David 
escorted him in triumph. This roused the jealousy of the 
men of Israel, who complained that the men of Judah 
had stolen the king. 

Sheba's Revolt. — The people were ripe for mischief; 
so when Sheba, a Benjamite, raised the well-known cry, 
"Every man to his tent, O Israel!" all the Israelites de- 
serted David and followed Sheba. David lost no time, 
but sent an army after him, led by Joab. Sheba fled 
through all Israel, and at last took refuge in the town 
Abel. Here he was besieged by his pursuers. There 
was a certain wise woman in the town who parleyed with 
Joab, and besought him not to destroy the town. Joab 
agreed to do so provided Sheba were given up. The 
woman persuaded her townsfolk, and they killed Sheba 
and cast his head over the wall ; Joab and the army then 
returned to Jerusalem, 



112 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

CHAPTER X. 
The Last Days of David.— The Psalms. 

David Numbers the People. — David now decided to 
take a census of the Israelites, so the people were counted, 
"and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant 
men that drew the sword; and the men of Judah were 
five hundred thousand." 

David Again Wishes to Build a Temple. — The desire 
to raise a temple to God had always been close to the 
king's heart, but its gratification was denied to him. His 
hands were too deeply stained with blood to be engaged 
in so holy a work. He charged his son Solomon to build 
the house in which God should dwell, and prepared in 
abundance iron, brass, and cedar wood. He set masons 
to hew wrought stones. He also commanded the princes 
of Israel to help Solomon in carrying out his design. 
David then gathered all the priests and the Levites, and 
divided the service of the Tabernacle between them in 
regular courses. 

David Makes Solomon His Heir. — Adonijah, a 
brother of Absalom, now exalted himself, saying, "I will 
be king." He prepared for himself chariots and horse- 
men, and took Joab and Abiathar the priest into his 
counsels. Nathan, alarmed at this outbreak, induced 
Bath-sheba to plead the cause of her son Solomon before 
the king. Bath-sheba accordingly stood before the king, 
informed him of Adonijah's revolt, and entreated him to 
declare that Solomon should succeed him on the throne. 
While she was yet speaking, Nathan, as previously ar- 
ranged, entered the king's presence, and repeated Bath- 
sheba's request. Then David swore by the Lord that 
Solomon should reign after him and sit upon his throne. 
Then calling Zadok the priest, and Nathan and Benaiah, 






FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 113 

he bade them take Solomon and anoint him king at once. 
"Zadok took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and 
anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet, and all 
the people said, God save King Solomon." When Adon- 
ijah heard that Solomon had been proclaimed king, he 
feared for his life, and took refuge at the horns of the 
altar. But Solomon sent for him, and told him to go to 
his house in peace. 

Death of David. — The king's end was drawing near. 
He sent for his son Solomon, and charged him to keep the 
way of God, and observe His commandments as written 
in the Law of Moses. He pointed out to Solomon who 
had been his friends and his enemies, and while he asked 
that the former might be rewarded, he insisted that the 
latter should not go unpunished. " So David slept with 
his fathers, and was buried in the city of David." He 
reigned over Israel forty years — seven in Hebron, and 
thirty-three in Jerusalem. 

The Psalms of David.— David was not only a brave 
warrior, an intrepid leader, and a devoted friend, he was 
also the most inspired of poets. The outpourings of his 
genius are found in that section of Holy Writ called " The 
Psalms," consisting of 150 poetical compositions of vari- 
ous length. They were not all written by David, some 
having been composed as late as the Captivity. They are 
filled with some of the finest imagery that the human mind 
has ever conceived. They glow with gratitude to God for 
His abundant favors; they are instinct with praise and 
prayer, with devotional fervor such as rarely moves the . 
heart of man. Now they rise in exultation at the achieve- 
ment of victory, spiritual or material; now they bewail 
the human soul sunk in misery, bitterness, and gloom. 
Some were written for special occasions, to mark certain 
events which touched the history of the nation, or affected 
the private life of the singer ; others are the outpourings _ 



114 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

of the soul for God's goodness and favor to all mankind. 
The Jews have always held the Psalms in peculiar ven- 
eration and love. They are recited on all occasions 
of rejoicing or sorrow, and form no small part of the 
synagogal ritual. 

CHAPTER XL 

Solomon Ascends the Throne (1018 B.O.E.).— He 
Builds the Temple. 

Solomon's First Acts.— Solomon succeeded his father 
at the age of eighteen. He was singularly gifted, and the 
kingdom was at peace. He was soon obliged to show the 
sterner part of his nature. The restless Adonijah became 
treacherous, and Solomon was compelled to order his ex- 
ecution. Following the advice of David his father, he 
banished Abiathar the priest from Jerusalem, and caused 
Joab to be put to death because he had slain Abner and 
Amasa, captains of the host. He commanded Shimei to 
take up his residence in Jerusalem, and never to pass over 
the Kidron on pain of death. It was not long before 
Shimei transgressed the king's command and paid the 
penalty with his life. 

Solomon's Vision. — The king offered a great sacrifice 
in Gibeon, where was the tabernacle of God, even a thou- 
sand burnt-offerings. That night the Lord appeared 
unto him in a dream, and said, "Ask what I shall give 
thee." Solomon expressed his gratitude to God for all 
His past favors, and begged only for "an understanding 
heart to judge Thy people, that I may discern between 
good and bad : for who is able to judge this Thy so great 
a people?" The Lord was pleased with Solomon's re- 
quest, and promised him not only wisdom, but also riches 
and honor, and even length of days, if he would but keep 
His statutes and commandments. 



FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 115 

The Judgment of Solomon. — Two women came before 
the king in judgment. The first one said that she and 
the other woman, living in the same house, had both been 
delivered of a child within three days. The babe of the 
other woman having died, its mother changed the children 
at night, taking the living one and giving her the dead one. 
In the morning light she discovered the deception, and 
now came before the king for justice. The other woman, 
however, contradicted her, saying the living child was 
hers, while the dead one belonged to her who had first 
spoken. The king was sorely puzzled; then he ordered 
a sword to be fetched and the living child to be cut in two, 
so that a half might be given to either woman. 

But the real mother of the child was horrified at the idea 
of its slaughter, and preferred that the infant should be 
given up to her rival; but the latter exclaimed, "Let it be 
neither mine nor thine, but divide it." The king's test 
had discovered the true mother, to whom the king ordered 
the child to be delivered. All Israel heard of the judg- 
ment and they feared the king, for they saw the wisdom 
of God was in him. His fame was spread abroad through 
all nations as the wisest of men. He composed three thou- 
sand proverbs (the Book of Proverbs being a portion of 
them), and a thousand and five songs. 

Hiram's Friendship.— Solomon sent to Hiram, King of 
Tyre, asking him to carry out the promise he had made 
to David, to supply materials for building the Temple. 
Hiram rejoiced that Solomon's heart was set upon this 
project, and undertook to furnish him with cedars and firs 
from Lebanon. So Solomon sent thousands of laborers 
to cut down trees, and to quarry and dress stones. Hiram 
also lent men to assist in the work. The two kings made 
a league, and the peace between them was never broken. 

The Building of the Temple (1015 B.C.E.).— "And 
it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after 



116 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, 
in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, that he 
began to build the house of the Lord." Its length was 
sixty cubits, its breadth twenty cubits, and its height thirty 
cubits. The stones whereof it was constructed and the 
beams had been previously hewn and cut and trimmed, 
so that in rearing the edifice neither hammer nor axe nor 
any tool of iron was heard. Stone, cedar, and brass were 
the materials employed, and he overlaid the whole house 
with pure gold, even to the floor of it. Some of its most 
beautiful accessories were the Cherubim, ten cubits high, 
of olive wood, covered with gold, the beautiful pillars 
which stood at the entrance, and the molten sea of brass 
standing upon twelve brazen oxen. It took seven years 
building, and was finished in the eleventh year of the 
king's reign. Solomon also built himself a magnificent 
palace, which occupied him for thirteen years. 

Dedication of the Temple. — The house of God hav- 
ing been finished, and all the vessels required in the service 
having been arranged in their appropriate places, Solomon 
assembled in Jerusalem all the elders of Israel, and the 
leaders of the tribes, at the feast in the seventh month. A 
grand procession was formed, and the priests bore the ark 
into the sanctuary, while the king and the people offered 
innumerable sacrifices. God signified His approval of all 
that had been done by filling the Temple with His glory. 
Then Solomon, in the hearing of all the people, offered up 
a noble prayer to God. He openly testified to the unity 
and greatness of God. He entreated that the Temple he 
had built might be a true house of prayer to all Israel. 
He exhorted the people to make their hearts perfect with 
God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His command- 
ments. These ceremonies being concluded, the king 
feasted the whole people for fourteen days, and then dis- 
missed them to their homes, joyful and glad of heart. 



FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 117 

CHAPTER XII. 
Solomon's Greatness and Death. 

Solomon's Second Vision.— Again the Lord appeared 
unto Solomon as He had done at Gibeon, and told him 
that his prayer had been heard, and that the Lord would 
dwell perpetually in the house he had built. He further 
exhorted him to obey the Lord's commands, for then his 
kingdom should be established in Israel forever; but if 
he and the people should turn away from following the 
Lord, then Israel should be cut off from the land, and 
should become a by- word among all people. 

Hiram's Reward. — When Solomon had finished the 
Temple and his own house, he desired to recompense 
Hiram for his splendid gifts. So he gave him twenty 
cities in the land of Galilee. 

The King's Navy. — Solomon also built a navy of ships 
at Ezion-geber, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land 
of Edom. Hiram sent "shipmen that had knowledge of 
the sea" to man the vessels, together with men of Solo- 
mon's choosing. The ships traded as far as Ophir, proba- 
bly in Arabia, and brought thence large quantities of gold, 
sandal wood, and precious stones. 

Queen of Sheba. — The fame of Solomon was not con- 
fined to the Holy Land, but travelled to distant Arabia, 
whence the Queen of Sheba set out with a great train to 
visit the wise king. Her camels bore costly presents of 
spices, and gold and gems. When she saw the state of 
the king she was overwhelmed with its magnificence, and 
she blessed the God of Israel for the love He had for His 
people, and because He had made Solomon their king. 

Israel's Greatness. — The kingdom of Israel was now 
at the very height of its power and splendor. The coun- 
try over which Solomon held sway extended from the 29th - 



118 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

to the 36th parallel of north latitude, and from the 34th 
to the 39th degree of east longitude. Its length was 
about 600 miles, and its extreme breadth about 180 miles. 
Gezer of the Canaanites was a tributary city, and Tadmor 
in the far-off desert was built by Solomon. His wealth 
was unbounded. He had one navy trading to Ophir and 
another to Tarshish (Spain?). "He exceeded all the 
kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom." His peo- 
ple shared in his prosperity. "The king made silver to 
be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the 
sycamore- trees that are in the vale for abundance." 

Solomon's Sins.— But the wise king fell into folly and 
sin. He loved and took to wife many strange women, 
who induced the king to worship strange deities, so that 
"his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God as was 
the heart of David his father." He built high places to 
Chemosh and to Molech, and offered burnt incense and 
sacrifices unto them. And the Lord was angry with Solo- 
mon because he had transgressed the command not to go 
after other gods. Nor should his sin go unpunished ; for 
the kingdom should be rent from him and given to his 
servant. Yet for the sake of his father David this calam- 
ity was not to happen in his own days, but in those of his 
son. That son, instead of inheriting the whole realm, 
should rule over two tribes only, while the rest of the king- 
dom should obey another sovereign. 

His Troubles and Death.— God stirred up two adver- 
saries against Solomon, namely, Hadad the Edomite, and 
Rezon, who reigned in Damascus. They troubled Israel 
all the days of Solomon. There was one of the king's 
officers, named Jeroboam, who by his talents had been 
raised to an important post. One day when Jeroboam 
was going out of Jerusalem, clad in a new garment, it hap- 
pened that the prophet Ahijah met him by the way. Seiz- 
ing Jeroboam's garment he rent it in twelve pieces, and 



FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 119 

he said to him, "Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the 
Lord the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom 
out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to 
thee." He further admonished Jeroboam to keep the 
way of God, for then the kingdom should be established 
in his family. Solomon no doubt got to hear of this inter- 
view, for he sought to kill Jeroboam. So Jeroboam fled 
to Shishak, King of Egypt, and remained there till Solo- 
mon's death. "And the time that Solomon reigned in 
Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. And Solomon 
slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David 
his father; and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead." 

QUESTIONS. 

PART IV. 

Chapter I. — Who was Saul? Of what tribe was he? By what other 
name was a prophet known? What did Saul reply when Samuel told 
him of his choice? Where was Saul chosen as king? What proverb 
arose from Saul's prophesying? With what nation did Saul first go to 
war? What occurred at Gilgal? What was Saul's first offence? 

Chapter II. — Whom did Saul attack and defeat ? Why did Saul con- 
demn his son Jonathan? What was Saul's second offence? By whom 
was David anointed king? Of what tribe was David? Whose son was 
he? What introduced David into Saul's court? 

Chapter III. — Who was Goliath of Gath ? Describe David's encoun- 
ter with him. What was David's reply to Goliath's taunts? 

Chapter IV. — With whom did David form a close friendship? What 
occasioned the ill-will of Saul against David? What daughter of Saul 
did David marry? Who interceded with Saul for David? What say- 
ing arose from Saul's prophesying at Ramah? Describe David and 
Jonathan's parting. 

Chapter V. — What did David do at Nob ? Who was the high priest 
there at that time ? Why did Saul destroy the priests of Nob ? Who exe- 
cuted the deed? On what occasion did David spare Saul's life? Who 
died and was buried at Ramah ? Who was Nabal ? What was the name 
of NabaFs wife? What did David do at Ziph? What did David do at 
Ziklag? 



120 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

Chapter VI.— Describe Saul's interview with the witch of En-dor. 
What befell Ziklag? How did David divide the spoil he captured in the 
battle with the Amalekites ? In what battle did Saul die, and how ? Who 
were the three persons that died with him ? What was done with Saul's 
body ? What did the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead do ? 

Chapter VII. — How did David receive the news of Saul's death ? In 
what year did David begin to reign over Judah ? What was the name 
of its capital? Who was Abner? Who was lshbosheth? Who was 
David's commander-in-chief? By whom was Abner slain? By whom 
was lshbosheth slain ? How did David receive the news of Abner's and 
Ishbosheth's death? How old was David when he began to reign? 
When did he begin to rule over Israel ? When did Jerusalem become a 
royal residence? Who was Hiram? Tell how the ark was brought to 
the City of David. 

Chapter VIII. — Why was David not allowed to build the Temple? 
Who was the prophet who announced to him the will of God ? Who was 
Mephibosheth ? How was he treated by David ? What occasioned the 
war with the Ammonites? Who was Bath-sheba? How did Nathan 
reprove David? Who was Solomon? Who was Solomon's mother? 
Which of David's sons killed his brother ? How was Absalom reconciled 
to his father? 

Chapter IX. — Tell of Absalom's wicked conduct towards his father. 
Who was Ahithophel? What befell David in his flight? Who was 
Hushai ? What was Ahithophel's advice to Absalom ? Who dissuaded 
him from following his advice ? "What was Ahithophel's end ? How did 
David receive the tidings of Absalom's death? What followed David's 
return to Jerusalem ? Who was Sheba ? 

Chapter X. — What was the number of the people David counted in 
Israel and Judah ? What was Adonijah's ambition ? What preparations 
were made for building the Temple ? Who induced David to appoint 
Solomon as his successor ? What was David's dying charge to Solomon ? 
When did David die? Where was he buried? How long did David 
reign over Judah ? How long over all Israel ? Who was the author of 
the Psalms ? How are they regarded ? 

Chapter XI. — When did Solomon begin to reign? What were Solo- 
mon's first acts ? What did Solomon ask of God when at Gibeon ? What 
was the first display of Solomon's wisdom ? Who was the author of the 
Proverbs? To what king was Solomon indebted for assistance in the 
erection of the Temple ? When, where, and by whom was the Temple 
built? What were its dimensions? When was the Temple begun, 
and when was it finished ? Give an account of the dedication of the 
Temple. 



FROM SAUL TO SOLOMON'S DEATH 121 

Chapter XII. — What was Solomon's second vision ? How did Solomon 
reward Hiram ? Where did Solomon build a navy ? Who was the Queen 
of Sheba ? Give an account of Israel's greatness during Solomon's reign. 
What were Solomon's errors ? Who was Jeroboam ? What was foretold 
of him? How long did Solomon reign in Jerusalem? Where was he 
buried ? Who succeeded him ? 



PART V. 
THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL. 

CHAPTER I. 
Jeroboam. — Nadab. 

The Kingdom Divided (978 B.C.E.).— Soon after the 
death of Solomon the nation was divided into two king- 
doms, the kingdom of Israel and the kingdom of Judah. 
The former comprised the ten tribes located in the more 
northern part of the Holy Land. Its capital was Samaria. 
The kingdom of Judah consisted of the tribes of Judah 
and Benjamin, and occupied the southern portion of 
Palestine, with Jerusalem as its capital. 

Jeroboam. — Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, went to 
Shechem on the death of his father for the purpose of 
being crowned. Jeroboam, however, hastened up from 
Egypt, and was soon joined by a large following of the 
people. They demanded of Rehoboam whether he would 
make lighter the yoke his father had placed upon the peo- 
ple. Rehoboam consulted the aged and wise counsellors 
of the late king, and they advised him to yield to the just 
demands of the nation. But his young and headstrong 
companions gave him very different advice. 

When he met the people again after an interval of three 
days, he said to them, " My father made your yoke heavy, 
and I will add to your yoke. My father also chastised 
you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions." 

122 



THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL 123 

The standard of revolt was instantly raised. Rehoboam 
fled to Jerusalem, where the men of Judah and Benjamin 
rallied to him, while Jeroboam was acclaimed king of 
Israel. Rehoboam at once gathered an army to put down 
the revolt, but the word of God came to him through 
Shemaiah forbidding him to fight against the men of 
Israel. 

Idolatry Introduced. — Jeroboam was now firmly 
established in his kingdom. Desirous of preventing his 
subjects going to Jerusalem to sacrifice, he made two 
golden calves and bade the people worship them. The 
one he placed in Beth-el and the other in Dan. . 

Jeroboam Punished. — While Jeroboam was offering 
incense at one of his idolatrous altars, there came a man 
of God who rebuked him for his sin. The king, moved 
to anger, put forth his hand to seize the prophet, but his 
hand withered so that he could not draw it in again. 
Then Jeroboam asked the prophet to entreat the Lord 
for him, and his hand was healed again. The man of 
God, having fulfilled his mission, declined the proffered 
hospitality of the king, and went his way. 

Death of Abijah and Jeroboam. — The king departed 
not from his evil courses. At that time his son Abijah 
fell sick, and Jeroboam commanded his wife to disguise 
herself and go to the prophet Ahijah, in Shiloh, and to 
inquire what should become of the child. Jeroboam's 
wife did so, and taking with her a present, came to the 
house of Ahijah, who was now blind from old age. But 
the prophet had been forewarned of the visit by God, so 
he cried out at once: "Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam, 
why f eignest thou thyself to be another ? for I am sent to 
thee with heavy tidings." Then recounting all that the 
Lord had done for Jeroboam, he broke out in righteous 
indignation against his idolatry and apostasy, and pro- 
nounced a heavy doom against him and against Israel. 



i24 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

Moreover, he told her the child would die. The wife of 
Jeroboam departed and returned to her house, and when 
she came to the threshold of the door the child died. 
Jeroboam reigned twenty-two years, and he slept with his 
fathers, and was succeeded by his son Nadab. 

Nadab reigned but two years, and was as wicked as his 
father. Baasha, the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issa- 
char, conspired against him, and slew him, and reigned in 
his stead. 

CHAPTER II. 

Baasha — Elah — Zimri — Omri — Ahab — Elijah. 

Baasha. — The first act of the new king was to destroy 
every member of Jeroboam's family. He did evil also in 
the sight of the Lord. Like his predecessors, he dwelt in 
Tirzah, but proceeded to build the city of Ramah, on the 
borders of Judah. Asa, King of Judah, regarded this act 
as a menace, and made a league with Benhadad, King of 
Syria, against the King of Israel. A combined army was 
led against Ramah, which being abandoned by Baasha, 
was utterly destroyed. After this there was continued 
warfare between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah all the 
days of Baasha. The word of the Lord came to Baasha, 
through Jehu, reproving him for his abominations, and. 
threatening him with the fate of Jeroboam. He reigned 
twenty-four years. 

Elah, his son, succeeded him. He reigned but two 
years, at the end of which time he was slain by one of his 
officers, Zimri. 

Zimri reigned only seven days. When he seized the 
throne, the king's army was besieging Gibbethon, a city 
of the Philistines. The news of Elah's murder reaching 
the camp, the soldiers at once proclaimed Omri, the com- 
mander-in-chief, king. Omri forthwith led his army 



THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL 125 

against Zimri in Tirzah. He captured the city, and, to 
avoid falling into the hands of Omri, Zimri retired to the 
palace, set fire to it, and perished in the flames. 

Omri. — The whole of the people did not follow Omri. 
A portion set up a rival in the person of Tibni. Omri, 
however, soon subdued his competitor, and reigned un- 
disputed. He transferred the capital of his kingdom to 
Samaria, which he had bought of Shemer for two talents 
of silver. "But Omri wrought evil in the sight of the 
Lord and did worse than all who were before him." He 
died after a reign of twelve years, and was buried in 
Samaria. 

Ahab (919 B.C.E.) the son of Omri, succeeded, and 
reigned for twenty- two years. He u did evil in the sight 
of the Lord above all that were before him." He took 
to wife Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, King of the 
Zidonians, whose wickedness has become a proverb. 
Ahab introduced the worship of Baal, and built him an 
altar and a temple. 

Elijah. — One of the most remarkable men in Israel's 
history now appeared upon the scene. This was Elijah 
the Tishbite, an inhabitant of Gilead. Nothing is related 
of his early life or training, but at the command of God, 
he suddenly appeared before Ahab, and announced that 
there should be neither rain nor dew in the land for years. 
Still obeying the divine behest, Elijah turned eastward, 
and hid himself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jor- 
dan. Here "the ravens brought him bread and flesh in 
the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening, and he 
drank of the brook." When the stream failed owing to 
the drought, he arose and went to Zarephath. As he 
entered the town, he beheld a widow woman gathering a 
few sticks. The prophet begged of her a little water and 
a morsel of bread. But the woman replied that she had 
nothing left but a handful of meal and a little oil, of which 



126 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

she and her son were about to partake before they died. 
But Elijah bade her bake him a little cake, and foretold 
that the meal and the oil should not fail until the rain 
came upon the land, and it was so. 

Elijah and the Widow's Son.-^-After these events, the 
widow's son fell sick, and there was no breath left in him. 
The woman cried out unto Elijah, who carried the boy up 
into his own room, and laid him on his bed. Then he 
prayed to God that the lad might be restored to life, and 
stretched himself upon the child three times. The child 
revived, and Elijah delivered him to his mother. 

CHAPTER III. 
Ahab.— Elijah and the Priests of Baal. 

Elijah Returns to Ahab.— Three years elapsed; then 
the word of God came to Elijah, saying, " Go show thyself 
unto Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth." Elijah 
accordingly went up to Samaria, where the famine was 
sore. The governor of the king's palace was Obadiah, 
a man who feared the Lord greatly, and who had sheltered 
and fed a hundred prophets, when the wicked Jezebel had 
slain the prophets of the Lord. Ahab had commanded 
Obadiah to travel through the land to see if any pasture 
could be found for the king's horses; and while Obadiah 
went in one direction, the king set out on a similar quest 
another way. Suddenly Obadiah met Elijah, journeying 
to Samaria, and fell upon his face in reverence of him. 

The prophet bade Obadiah return to his lord and say, 
"Behold, Elijah is here." But Obadiah, knowing how 
prone Elijah was to disappear without warning, objected 
to carry a message which endangered his life. He told 
Elijah that Ahab had sought him in vain throughout every 
nation and kingdom. But Elijah swore that he would 



THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL 127 

show himself to Ahab that day. The meeting took place. 
Ahab no sooner saw Elijah than he exclaimed, " Art thou 
he that troubleth Israel?" But Elijah replied, "I have 
not troubled Israel; but thou and thy father's house, in 
that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, 
and thou hast followed Baalim." 

Elijah and the Priests of Baal. — Elijah now proposed 
to the king a test which should prove who was the true 
God. He bade the king assemble at Carmel all the peo- 
ple of Israel, together with the prophets of Baal, four hun- 
dred and fifty in number, and the four hundred prophets 
of the groves, "which eat at Jezebel's table." These 
being gathered together, Elijah exclaimed, "How long 
halt ye between two opinions ? if the Lord be God follow 
Him; but if Baal, then follow him." The people, con- 
scious of their sins, answered him not a word. Elijah 
then told them to bring two bullocks. The prophets of 
Baal were to choose one, to cut it in pieces, lay it on wood, 
and put no fire under it ; he himself was to do the same to 
the other. Then each was to call on his God, and the one 
that answered by fire was to be acknowledged as the true 
God. The people assented to the proposal, and the false 
prophets prepared their bullock. They called unto Baal 
from morning till evening ; but there was no voice and no 
answer. At noontide Elijah mocked them, bidding them 
cry aloud, for surely Baal was a god — perhaps he was 
talking, or hunting, or sleeping, and required to be waked. 
Thus incited, the priests of Baal redoubled their cries, and 
gashed themselves with knives and lancets according to 
their wont. Their efforts were useless. 

As the day declined Elijah called all the people near to 
him. Taking twelve stones, according to the number of 
the tribes of Israel, he built therewith an altar, and placed 
on it the wood and the bullock. He next cut a trench 
round the altar, and told the people to fill four barrels with 



128 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

water, and pour it over the altar. This they did three 
times, till the altar and the sacrifice were drenched, and 
the trench filled. And at the time of the evening sacrifice, 
Elijah prayed to God: "Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that 
this people may know that Thou art the Lord God, and 
that Thou hast turned their hearts back again." The 
words were scarcely uttered, when the fire of the Lord fell 
from heaven and consumed the altar and the sacrifice, 
and licked up all the water. When the people saw it, they 
fell on their faces, exclaiming, "The Lord, He is the God, 
the Lord, He is the God." 

Elijah thought the moment favorable for striking an- 
other blow at Baal worship. He commanded the people 
to seize the false prophets; "and they took them, and 
Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew 
them there." Returning to the king, Elijah told him that 
rain was at hand. Ahab prepared to return to his palace ; 
but Elijah ascended Mount Carmel, and bowed his head 
between his knees. He bade his servant look toward the 
sea. The servant went and looked, and said, "There is 
nothing." Elijah bade him go again even seven times. 
At last the servant exclaimed, "Behold there ariseth a 
little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand." This was 
the rain-sign for which Elijah waited. Presently the 
heavens grew black with clouds, and the rain descended 
in torrents. Ahab mounted his chariot and set out for 
Jezreel, and Elijah, out of respect for the king, ran before 
the royal chariot to the entrance of the city. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Ahab . — Eli j ah. — Benhadad. 

Elijah's Wanderings.— When Jezebel heard of these 
events, she sent a messenger to Elijah threatening his life. 
The prophet fled to Beersheba, and passed from thence 



THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL 129 

into the wilderness. Overcome with weariness, he sat 
down under a juniper- tree and prayed: "O Lord, take 
away my life, for I am not better than my fathers." In his 
sleep an angel appeared to him, saying, "Arise and eat." 
Waking, he beheld a loaf of bread and a cruse of water. 
Partaking of these he went without further food for forty 
days, journeying to Mount Horeb. Here again he com- 
plained to the Lord, inasmuch as the people of Israel had 
forsaken God's covenant, and slain His prophets, and that 
even his life was in danger. 

Then God told Elijah to stand upon the Mount, and 
as the seer stood, a great and strong wind rushed by him, 
rending the mountains and breaking the rocks; but the 
Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there came an 
earthquake; but God was not in the earthquake. Then 
came a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire. After the 
fire there was a still small voice which said, "What dost 
thou here, Elijah?" Again the prophet uttered his com- 
plaint. Then the Lord told him to perform three mis- 
sions — to go to Damascus, and anoint Hazael king over 
Syria, to anoint Jehu, grandson of Nimshi, king over 
Israel, and to anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat, as his own 
successor. The Lord also comforted him with the knowl- 
edge that there were still seven thousand in Israel who 
had not bowed the knee to Baal. 

Elijah Meets Elisha.— Elijah departed, and found 
Elisha ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen; and as he 
passed Elijah threw his mantle upon him. Elisha at once 
responded to the call, and begged permission to kiss his 
father and his mother before following his master. Elisha 
made a hurried feast for his people; "then he arose and 
went after Elijah, and ministered unto him." 

Benhadad, King of Syria, gathered an immense army, 
and summoning his thirty-two tributary kings, with horses 
and chariots went up and besieged Samaria. He sent 
9 



130 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

messengers to Ahab claiming his treasures, his wives, and 
his children. Ahab replied that all he had belonged to 
his lord the King of Syria. Upon this Benhadad sent 
further messengers, stating that his servants should next 
day ransack the king's palace, taking away the things they 
most desired. Ahab would not consent to this humilia- 
tion, and sent back a defiant reply. Then Benhadad 
vowed the destruction of Samaria. But Ahab answered 
him : " Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast him- 
self as he that putteth it off." Fired by this taunt, Ben- 
hadad at once set his host in battle array against the 
city. 

Defeat of the Syrians. — Then came there a prophet 
unto Ahab, telling him that the Lord would destroy the 
Syrian army by the hands of the "young men of the 
princes of the provinces," who numbered two hundred 
and thirty-two. This devoted band set out toward the 
Syrian camp at noon. Benhadad, who was conversing 
in his tent, being told of their approach, ordered them to 
be seized alive. But the young men slew their would-be 
captors, and a panic fell upon the Syrian host. They fled 
in terror, and Israel pursued them, and Benhadad es- 
caped on horseback. The same prophet warned Ahab 
to strengthen himself, as the Syrians would surely return 
the following year. This prediction was verified. The 
Syrians attributed their defeat to the belief that the God 
of Israel was all powerful on the hills, and resolved to 
fight in future in the plains. 

Benhadad, gathering a yet mightier force, went up to 
Aphek to encounter the Israelites. A decisive battle was 
fought, in which the Syrians were defeated with terrible 
loss. Benhadad fled to Aphek, and hid himself in an 
inner room of a house. His servants, clothing themselves 
in sackcloth, appeared before Ahab, and entreated him to 
spare the life of their master. Ahab at once sent for the 



THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL 131 

fallen king and showed him great kindness and honor. 
Benhadad promised to restore the cities captured previ- 
ously from the Israelites. The two monarchs made a 
covenant to this effect and parted. 

CHAPTER V. 

Naboth's Vineyard.— Micaiah.— Death of Ahab.— 
Ahaziah. 

Naboth's Vineyard. — There was a certain man named 
Naboth, who owned a vineyard close to the palace of the 
king in Samaria. Ahab greatly coveted the vineyard, and 
offered Naboth a better vineyard for it, or its value in 
money. Naboth, however, refused these offers, saying: 
" The Lord forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance 
of my fathers unto thee." Ahab took the refusal to heart, 
and lay down on his bed, and would take no food. Jeze- 
bel, learning the cause of his grief, bade him be merry, for 
she would obtain him his desire. She sent letters in the 
king's name unto the elders, and the nobles of the city, 
bidding them to procure false witnesses who should 
accuse Naboth of blasphemy against God and the 
king. The elders and princes proved the willing 
tools of Jezebel; Naboth was duly accused and stoned 
to death. 

Then Ahab set out to take possession of the vineyard. 
But Elijah, who had received a message from God, met 
him by the way. When Ahab beheld the prophet, he ex- 
claimed, "Hast thou found me, O mine enemy?" And 
he answered : "I have found thee ; because thou hast sold 
thyself to work evil in the sight of the Lord." Elijah then 
foretold him the terrible punishment of his sin; evil 
should come upon him, and upon his whole house; the 
dogs should lick his blood where they had licked the blood 



132 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

of Naboth; the dogs should devour Jezebel by the wall 
of Jezreel. 

Micaiah. — The King of Syria had not restored to Israel 
the city of Ramoth in Gilead. Ahab resolved to recapt- 
ure it, and on his invitation, Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, 
joined in the expedition. Before the combined armies set 
out, Jehoshaphat desired Ahab to inquire of the Lord 
whether success would attend them. Ahab gathered his 
four hundred prophets and asked them whether he should 
go up against Ramoth; and they told him to go up, for the 
Lord would deliver it into his hand. But Jehoshaphat was 
not satisfied with the assurances of these men, and asked 
if there were not to be found a prophet of the Lord. Ahab 
replied that there was such a man, Micaiah, the son of 
Imlah, but he hated him, for the prophet always spoke 
evil of him. But the King of Judah insisted that he should 
be sent for. 

The two kings mounted their thrones, and all the false 
prophets prophesied before them. One of them, by name 
Zedekiah, had made himself horns of iron, telling Ahab 
that with them he should push the Syrians till he had 
consumed them. The servant who went for Micaiah 
begged him to speak to the king in the same strain as the 
false prophets had spoken. But Micaiah replied that he 
could speak only the word of God. Micaiah entered the 
presence of Ahab, he prophesied that evil would overtake 
the king, and that God had put a lying spirit into the 
mouths of the false prophets to tempt Ahab to destruction. 
Overcome with anger, the king ordered Micaiah to be at 
once taken to prison, and to be kept there till he should 
return in peace. 

Death of Ahab. — The kings then led their forces to 
Ramoth, and they arranged that Jehoshaphat should fight 
in his royal robes, but that Ahab should disguise himself. 
The King of Syria had commanded his captains to fight 






THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL 133 

with neither great nor small, save only with the King of 
Israel. While the battle raged some of the Syrian cap- 
tains fiercely engaged Jehoshaphat, who, they thought, 
was the King of Israel ; but he saved himself by calling out 
his name. However, a Syrian archer shot an arrow at 
random which smote Ahab through the joints of his 
armor. The battle was against the allied armies, who 
fled every man to his city and his own country. Ahab 
died at even, and was buried in Samaria; and while his 
servants washed his chariot and his armor the dogs licked 
up his blood, as Elijah had foretold. 

Ahaziah, a son of Ahab, succeeded him and reigned 
two years. He did evil in the sight of the Lord, and wor- 
shipped Baal as his father had done. In his reign Moab 
rebelled against Israel. Ahaziah fell out of a window in 
his palace at Samaria, and lay ill on his bed. He sent to 
inquire of Baalzebub, the god of Ekron, whether he should 
recover. But Elijah met the messengers, and bade them 
tell the king he should surely die. So the men turned 
back to the king, and said that a man had told them in 
the name of the Lord that the king would die. Ahaziah 
asked what kind of a man it was. They answered: "A 
hairy man, girt with a girdle of leather round his loins." 
The king said, "It is Elijah the Tishbite." At once he 
sent an officer and fifty men to seize him, but a fire con- 
sumed the soldiers. This happened again with another 
captain and his band. The king sent a third company, 
and the captain entreated Elijah to have compassion upon 
them and to come to the king. Elijah, assured by the 
Lord that no harm should befall him, went to Ahaziah 
and repeated his prediction. And the king died accord- 
ing to the word of the Lord which Elijah had spoken, 



134 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

CHAPTER VI. 
Elijah. — Elisha. — Jehoram. 

Disappearance of Elijah.— When Elijah's earthly mis- 
sion was drawing to a close, he begged Elisha to remain 
at Gilgal while he went on to Bethel; but Elisha would 
not leave him, so they went down to Bethel. There was 
a school of the sons of the prophets at Bethel, and the 
pupils asked Elisha if he knew that the Lord would take 
away his master that day, and he replied that he was fully 
aware of it. Elijah now announced his departure for the 
Jordan, and he entreated Elisha to remain at Bethel; but 
he answered: "As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, 
I will not leave thee." The two travelled together to the 
Jordan, where fifty sons of the prophets stood at a distance 
to see what would ensue. Elijah, rolling up his mantle, 
smote the waters of the river, and he and Elisha passed 
over on dry land. 

The solemn hour was now at hand. Elijah asked his 
pupil what he should do for him, and Elisha prayed 
that a double portion of his spirit might be upon him. 
Elijah replied: "Thou hast asked a hard thing; never- 
theless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall 
be so unto thee, but if not, it shall not be so." And as 
they were talking, "behold there appeared a chariot of 
fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up 
by a whirlwind into the sky." When Elisha saw this, he 
exclaimed, "My father, my father;" but he saw him no 
more. He rent his garments as a sign of mourning; 
then, taking the mantle of Elijah, which had fallen from 
him, he parted with it the waters of Jordan, and passed 
over to the sons of the prophets, who acknowledged him 
their master. 

Elisha's First Act. — The inhabitants of Jericho com- 






THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL 135 

plained to Elisha that the water that supplied the city was 
bad, and the land barren. Elisha cast some salt into the 
spring and healed the waters. 

Jehoram. — Jehoram now filled the. vacant throne of 
Israel, and reigned twelve years. He wrought evil in the 
sight of the Lord, yet he put away the image of Baal that 
his father had made. Mesha, King of Moab, a tributary 
of the King of Israel, now rebelled. Jehoram made a 
league with Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, and the two 
kings led their armies against Moab. On their way 
through Edom they were joined by the king of that land 
with his army. They now traversed the desert for seven 
days, and became greatly distressed through want of 
water. Then Jehoshaphat asked if there were not a 
prophet of the Lord to be found, and a servant answered 
that Elisha was at hand. The three monarchs went to 
him. But Elisha would have naught to say to the King 
of Israel, bidding him take counsel of the prophets of his 
father and of his mother. Yet for the sake of the King 
of Judah he would advise them. 

Defeat of the Moabites. — Elisha bade the kings dig 
ditches in the valley, and it should be that without seeing 
wind or rain they should have abundance of water. 
The next morning, behold, the ditches were full of water. 
As the rays of the sun fell upon the streams, the Moabites 
thought they were rivers of blood, and exclaimed: "The 
kings are surely slain, and they have smitten one another ; 
now, therefore, Moab to the spoil." But when they 
reached the camp, the allies fell upon them and smote 
them with a dreadful slaughter. They passed through 
the land of Moab, destroying the cities, and besieging the 
king in his own capital. When the battle went against 
him, the King of Moab, with seven hundred picked men, 
tried to break through to where the King of Edom was 
stationed, but he could not. Then he took his eldest son 



136 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall. This 
act caused great indignation among the Israelites, and 
they returned to their own land. 



CHAPTER VII. 
Elisha' s Miracles. 

Elisha and the Shunamite.— In the town of Shunem 
there dwelt a rich woman, and as often as Elisha visited 
the place she invited him to her house to eat bread. Tak- 
ing counsel with her husband, she prepared for the 
prophet a little chamber, and furnished it with a bed, a 
table, a stool, and a candlestick. One day Elisha asked 
the woman what return he should make for all her kind- 
ness. But the Shunamite modestly replied, "I dwell 
among mine own people." Learning, however, that she 
had no children, the man of God predicted that she should 
have a son. The woman in due time bare a son, and one 
day, when he was grown up, he went out to his father 
among the reapers. The lad became ill, and was carried 
home to his mother, who nursed him on her knees till 
noon, when he died. The afflicted mother laid the child 
on the bed of the prophet; then rode with all speed to 
Carmel. Elisha chanced to see her at a distance, and 
told Gehazi, his servant, to run to her and inquire if all 
were well with her, her husband, and her child. She 
answered, "It is well!" Then approaching the man of 
God, she clung to his feet, exclaiming: "Did I desire a 
son of my lord? Did I not say, do not deceive me?" 

Elisha perceived that something was amiss with the 
lad, although the Lord had not shown it to him. He 
ordered Gehazi to haste to Shunem and to lay the 
prophet's staff on the face of the child. But the woman 
would not leave Elisha; so he arose and went with her. 



THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL 137 

When they neared the house, Gehazi came out and told 
Elisha that the child had not waked. The prophet 
entered the chamber, and there lay the child dead upon 
the bed. Closing the door, he prayed to God, and then 
stretched himself upon the child till its flesh waxed warm 
and it opened its eyes. Then, sending for the mother, he 
said to her, Take thy son. "Then she went in, and fell 
at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up 
her son and went out." 

Naaman was captain of the army of the King of Syria. 
He was a great man and honorable, but a leper. His wife 
was waited on by a little Jewish maid, a captive ; and she 
said to her mistress that if her lord would only go to the 
prophet in Samaria, he would be cured of his leprosy. 
This speech reaching the king's ears, he sent Naaman to 
the King of Israel, with a letter bidding Jehoram cure him 
of his leprosy. As a recompense, Naaman took with him 
ten talents of silver and six thousand pieces of gold, and 
ten changes of raiment. When Jehoram read the letter, he 
rent his garments with grief, saying that the King of Syria 
was seeking a quarrel against him, in asking him to cure an 
incurable disease. But Elisha, hearing of the king's dis- 
tress, bade him send Naaman to him, so that he might 
learn that there was yet a prophet in Israel. 

Curing Naaman' s Leprosy. — So Naaman came with 
his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of 
his house. Then Elisha sent out word to him to go and 
wash in the Jordan seven times, and then his flesh would 
be clean. But Naaman departed in anger. He thought 
the prophet would have shown him some visible sign of 
his power, and would have healed him on the spot. Yet 
his servants persuaded him to try the prophet's remedy, 
as it was so easy to achieve. Then he went and dipped 
in Jordan seven times, and was healed. Full of gratitude, 
Naaman hurried back to Elisha, and said: "Behold, now 



138 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel." 
He pressed him to receive a present, but Elisha again and 
again refused. Then Naaman vowed that he would 
never more offer burnt offerings nor sacrifice unto other 
gods, but unto the Lord. 

Gehazi' s Punishment. — But to Gehazi it seemed ill 
that Elisha had spared the riches of Naaman. Hurrying 
after him, he craved a talent of silver and two changes of 
garment, in Elisha' s name. Naaman generously gave 
him more than he asked, and Gehazi brought the things 
secretly into the house. Then Elisha asked his servant 
where he had been, and Gehazi lyingly replied, Nowhere. 
But Elisha told him he knew the crime he had committed, 
and sternly rebuked him for it — " The leprosy, therefore, of 
Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed forever. 
And he went out from his presence a leper as white as 
snow." 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Jehoram. — Wars with the Syrians. — Death of 
Benhadad. 

War with Syria. — The King of Syria again warred 
against Israel. The prophet Elisha was able to render 
signal service to his countrymen, for he revealed to the 
King of Israel all the secret counsels of his enemies. The 
King of Syria at first suspected some of his servants of 
treachery, but at last he was convinced that his plans were 
frustrated through Elisha. Learning that the seer was 
staying at Dothan, he sent a great host to capture him. 
They compassed the city round about at night. The next 
morning Elisha prayed to the Lord, and the host of the 
Syrians was smitten with blindness. Elisha then led them 
to Samaria. Then the Lord opened their eyes and they 
found themselves in the midst of Samaria. Jehoram 



THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL 139 

would have put them to the sword, but Elisha had them 
bountifully fed, and then sent them away to their master. 

For a time there was peace with the Syrians; then 
Benhadad gathered all his armies and laid siege to 
Samaria. So strict was the siege that there was a great 
famine in the city. One day the King of Israel, passing 
through the town, heard two women quarrelling. The 
king inquired the cause of the strife. And one of them 
answered : " This woman said unto me, Give thy son that 
we may eat him to-day, and we will eat my son to-morrow. 
So we boiled my son and did eat him, and I said unto her 
on the next day, Give thy son that we may eat him, and 
she hath hid her son." When the king heard this he rent 
his clothes. Then in his anger he vowed the death of 
Elisha that day. He sent a messenger to seize him. 
Elisha at once announced good tidings to the city. 
"Thus saith the Lord, To-morrow about this time shall 
a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two meas- 
ures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria." 

Flight of the Syrians. — Now there stood four leprous 
men outside the gate of the city, whom the pangs of hun- 
ger drove to seek food at the hands of the Syrians. They 
rose up in the twilight, and went to the Syrian camp, and 
to their amazement found it deserted. For the Lord had 
made the Syrians to hear the noise of a mighty army ; and 
they said one to another, Lo, the Israelites and the Hit- 
tites and the Egyptians have leagued themselves together 
and are attacking us. So they fled in the twilight, and 
left behind them their tents, and their horses, even their 
whole camp. The lepers went from tent to tent, eating 
and drinking, and carrying away gold and silver and rai- 
ment. At last they bethought them of their starving 
brethren in Samaria, and turned to tell the glad tidings 
in the town. The Israelites at first feared an ambush; 
but after due precaution, they sacked the Syrian camp, 



140 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

so that flour and barley became as plentiful as the prophet 
had foretold. 

Elisha in Damascus. — Elisha now journeyed to Da- 
mascus. Benhadad, King of Syria, lay ill, and he heard 
of the arrival of the man of God. The king sent Hazael 
with costly presents to Elisha, begging him to inquire of 
the Lord whether he should recover. "And Elisha said 
unto him: Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly re- 
cover: but the Lord hath shown me that he shall surely 
die." Then Elisha wept; and when Hazael asked the 
cause of his grief, he replied that he foresaw the evil that 
Hazael would do the people of Israel; he would burn 
their strongholds, slay their young men, and slaughter 
their women and children. Hazael, greatly moved, ex- 
claimed, "But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should 
do this great thing ? " And Elisha answered : " The Lord 
hath showed me that thou shalt be king over Syria." 
Hazael returned to Benhadad, and told him that Eli- 
sha had announced his sure recovery. On the morrow 
Hazael took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and 
with it smothered the king. Hazael then ascended the 
Syrian throne. 

CHAPTER IX. 

Jehu. — Death of Jezebel. — Jehoahaz. — Death of 
Elisha. 

Jehu Anointed (883 B.C.E.). — Hazael soon led a 
Syrian army against the King of Israel. He attempted 
to recapture Ramoth-Gilead, but failed. Jehoram re- 
ceived several wounds in his encounter with the Syrians, 
and withdrew to Jczreel to be cured; and Ahaziah, King 
of Judah, his ally, accompanied him. The army of the 
Israelites remained encamped at Ramoth, and were com- 
manded by Jehu, the son of Jchoshaphat. 



THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL 141 

Elisha, calling to him one of the sons of the prophets, 
bade him take a vial of oil and secretly anoint Jehu king 
over Israel. The young man hastened to Ramoth-Gilead, 
and found Jehu sitting with the officers. Then, taking 
Jehu into an inner room, he poured the oil on his head, 
and told him that the Lord God of Israel had anointed 
him king over His people. He bade him smite the whole 
house of Ahab, to avenge the blood of the Lord's proph- 
ets, and the Lord's servants that had been slain. Re- 
turning to the captains, Jehu announced that he had 
been anointed king over Israel The people acclaimed 
him at once, threw their garments on the ground for him 
to walk on, blew the trumpets, and shouted, "Jehu is 
king!" 

Jehu Slays the Kings. — Jehu at once ordered that 
no one should leave the city or carry the tidings to Jezebel. 
Mounting his chariot, and gathering a company about 
him, Jehu drove furiously to Jezreel. When he ap- 
proached the city, Jehoram and Ahaziah mounted their 
chariots, and went out to meet him in the field of Naboth. 
When they met, Jehoram exclaimed, "Is it peace, Jehu ? " 
But Jehu asked, What peace could there be so long as 
the wicked Jezebel and her witchcrafts were unpunished ? 
Jehoram cried out, "There is treachery, O Ahaziah!" 
and turned and fled. But Jehu drew a bow with his full 
strength and smote him through the heart so that he died. 
Then Jehu ordered his body to be thrown in Naboth's 
vineyard. Ahaziah, too, fled, but was smitten in his 
chariot, and died at Megiddo. His body was carried to 
Jerusalem, and buried there. 

Death of Jezebel. — Jehu now entered Jezreel. As 
he rode through the streets, Jezebel, with her face painted 
and her head dressed, looked out of a window of the pal- 
ace, and taunted him with his treachery. But Jehu, call- 
ing to some of the servants, bade them throw her down. 



142 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

"So they threw her down, and some of her blood was 
sprinkled on the wall and on the horses; and he trod her 
underfoot." And the dogs devoured her body, according 
to the words of Elijah. Jehu then utterly exterminated 
the family and descendants of that wicked king. Pro- 
claiming a solemn feast to Baal, he gathered together all 
the priests of that idol, and had them put to death. He 
burned the images of Bazd, and broke down his temples, 
so that the worship of Baal ceased in Israel. 

In the days of Jehu, Hazael, King of Syria, captured 
many of the outlying parts of Israel, chiefly to the east- 
ward of Jordan. Jehu died, after a reign of twenty-eight 
years, and was buried in Samaria. 

Jehoahaz. — Jehu was succeeded by his son, Jehoahaz, 
who reigned seventeen years. He was a wicked king, 
and followed the evil example of Jeroboam. In this 
reign the Israelites suffered terribly through the invasions 
of the Syrians under Hazael and his son Benhadad. At 
length Israel was delivered from their relentless foes by 
the hands of a warrior whose name is not recorded in 
Scripture. During these wars the army of the Israelites 
was reduced to "fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten 
thousand footmen." 

Jehoash, or Joash, son of Jehoahaz, next mounted the 
throne, and reigned sixteen years. 

Death of Elisha. — When Elisha was sick of the illness 
from which he died, Jehoash visited him, and wept before 
his face; Elisha bade him open a window eastward and 
take his bow and arrows. Then, laying his hands on the 
king's hands, he commanded him to shoot. The whole 
proceeding was to indicate that the future victories were 
to spring, not from human skill, but from the assistance 
of God. The king discharged three arrows, and then 
paused. Elisha was wroth, and told the king he should 
have snot five or six times, for then he would have 



THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL 143 

utterly destroyed Syria. Then Elisha died and was 
buried. 

The prediction of Elisha with regard to the Syrians 
came true. Three times did Jehoash defeat them, and 
he recovered the cities of Israel which they had previously 
captured. 

War with Judah. — Amaziah, King of Judah, chal- 
lenged Israel to a trial of strength. Jehoash bade Ama- 
ziah remain at home, and not allow his heart to be lifted 
up with pride because he had conquered the Edomites, 
and warned him that he might meddle in this matter to 
his own hurt. Amaziah scorned the advice, and led his 
army against Israel. But the men of Judah were de- 
feated and dispersed. Jehoash captured Amaziah, and, 
going to Jerusalem, broke down a large part of its fortifi- 
cations, and carried away to Samaria all the gold and sil- 
ver in the house of the Lord, together with the king's 
treasure and many hostages. 

CHAPTER X. 
Jeroboam II.— The End of the Kingdom (720 B.C.E.). 

Jeroboam II. succeeded his father Jehoash, and 
reigned forty-one years. He followed in the wicked foot- 
steps of the previous kings. Yet he was a brave leader, 
for he restored the boundary of Israel from Hamath to 
the Dead Sea, and carrying the war into Syria, captured 
Damascus, the capital. 

The prophets Jonah, Amos, and Hosea lived in this 
reign. They continually reproved the people for their 
backslidings, and foreshadowed the terrible punishments 
that would befall them. 

Zachariah, the son of Jeroboam, at length mounted the 
throne. He, too, did evil in the sight of the Lord. After 



144 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

a short reign of six months he was slain by Shallum, the 
son of Jabesh, who reigned in his stead. Zachariah was 
the last of the dynasty of Jehu, to whom the Lord had 
promised that his fourth generation should reign over 
Israel. > 

Shallum reigned but one month when Menahem came 
from Tirzah to Samaria, slew the king, and took posses- 
sion of the throne. 

Menahem occupied the throne ten years. He was as 
wicked as the previous kings of Israel. He inaugurated 
his reign by destroying those cities which did not at once 
recognize his authority. And now a new danger threat- 
ened Israel. Assyria had gradually become a mighty 
empire, and Pul, its king, invaded the land with a great 
army. Menahem purchased his forbearance with a 
thousand talents of silver. 

Pekahiah, son of Menahem, was the next king. His 
wicked reign had lasted two years when he was conspired 
against by Pekah, son of one of his captains, who killed 
him, and reigned in his stead. 

Pekah reigned twenty years, doing evil in the sight of 
the Lord. He made a league with Rezin, King of Syria, 
and the confederates made war upon Ahaz, King of 
Judah. The men of Judah were defeated in an impor- 
tant battle, and large numbers of them were carried cap- 
tive to Samaria and Damascus. At the earnest entreaty 
of the prophet Oded, Pekah restored to freedom no less 
than two hundred thousand of these captives. 

During a second campaign Pekah and Rezin laid siege 
to Jerusalem. They failed in their attempt on the city, 
chiefly because Isaiah stirred up its inhabitants to a vigor- 
ous resistance. The siege was raised, but the Syrians de- 
prived Judah of the province of Elath. As a last resource 
Ahaz invited Tiglath-pileser, King of Assyria, to join him 
against his enemies, at the same time sending to him all 



THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL 145 

the silver and gold that were found in the Lord's house, 
together with his own private treasure. Tiglath-pileser 
at once invaded the land of Israel, devastating Gilead, 
Galilee, and the land of Naphtali, and carrying the inhab- 
itants captive to Assyria. 

Then Hoshea, son of Elah, conspired against Pekah, 
slew him, and reigned in his stead. 

Hoshea was the last king of Israel. His reign endured 
nine years. " And he did that which was evil in the sight 
of the Lord, but not as the kings of Israel that were before 
him." The cup of Israel's wickedness was now full to 
overflowing. There was no sin they had not committed, 
no transgression they had not perpetrated. They had 
forsaken the Lord, worshipped molten images, and bowed 
themselves to Baal. They did all this in spite of repeated 
warnings conveyed to them by the mouth of God's in- 
spired messengers. But the Eternal now brought upon 
them the punishment of their iniquity. Shalmaneser, 
King of Assyria, invaded the land, and Hoshea submitted 
to him and agreed to become tributary to him. But 
Hoshea made an alliance with So, King of Egypt, and 
omitted to send his annual tribute to Assyria. So in the 
sixth year of Hoshea' s reign Shalmaneser led an army to 
Samaria, and besieged it for three years. In the ninth 
year of Hoshea' s reign the city was taken, and Shalman- 
eser "carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them 
in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the 
cities of the Medes." 

Thus ended the kingdom of Israel. It had lasted two 
hundred and fifty-three years. 

The Samaritans. — The cities of Samaria were after- 
ward peopled with men from Babylon, Cuthath, Ava, 
Hamath, and Sepharvaim by the command of Esar- 
haddon, King of Assyria. These new Samaritans were 
idolaters, but at their request the king sent them one of 



146 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

the captive Jewish priests to teach them the religion of 
the true God. Yet they did not give up their worship of 
graven images. History tells us nothing further about 
them till the rebuilding of the second Temple, when they 
claimed a share in the work. Being repulsed on account 
of their heathen origin and idolatrous practices, they be- 
came the bitter enemies of the Jews, and tried in every 
way to hinder and delay the erection of the Temple. 
Subsequently they built a temple for themselves on Mount 
Gerizim. Their descendants exist to this day, and pos- 
sess a recension of the law called the Samaritan Penta- 
teuch, differing in many respects from the Pentateuch in 
our possession, 

QUESTIONS. 



Chapter I. — Into what parts was the kingdom divided after Solomon's 
death? Name the respective capitals. What was the occasion of the 
revolt of the Ten Tribes ? Give the date of the revolt. Who was chosen 
as king of the Ten Tribes ? What did Jeroboam do to prevent the Ten 
Tribes from returning to the House of David ? What did the prophet 
Abijah foretell about Jeroboam and Israel ? How many years did Jero- 
boam reign ? Who succeeded him ? How long did Nadab reign ? 

Chapter II. — Give an account of Baasha. Tell of Elah's reign. How 
long did Zimri rule ? Give an account of Omri's reign. Where was his 
capital? Who ruled over part of Israel during the time of Omri? By 
whom was Omri succeeded ? Give the date of Ahab's reign. What was 
the name of Ahab's wife, and whose daughter was she ? What remarka- 
ble prophet arose in the time of Ahab ? Give an account of Elijah's stay 
with the widow of Zarephath. 

Chapter III. — What did Elijah say when Ahab accused him of troub- 
ling Israel ? In what place did the people of Israel and the prophets of 
Baal assemble? What did Elijah first say to them? How did Elijah 
prove who was the true God ? 

Chapter IV. — Describe the manner in which God appeared to Elijah 
on the mount. What three missions did God command Elijah to per- 
form ? Whom was Elijah to anoint to be prophet in his place ? Who was 



THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL 147 

the Syrian king that troubled Israel during Ahab's reign ? How was he 
defeated ? 

Chapter V. — How did Ahab obtain possession of Naboth's vineyard ? 
What prophet foretold the death of Ahab and his wife ? Who joined Ahab 
in the war against the Syrians ? Who was Micaiah ? Give an account of 
the battle of Ramoth. Was Elijah's prediction about Ahab fulfilled? 
Who succeeded Ahab ? How long did Ahaziah reign ? Describe his end. 

Chapter VI. — What were the circumstances of Elijah's end ? Who was 
his successor ? What was Elisha's first act ? How did Jehoram prosper 
in his war with Moab? Name the two kings who assisted Jehoram. 
Why did the Israelites leave Moab ? 

Chapter VII. — What miracle did Elisha perform for the Shunamite 
woman? Give the story of Naaman, the Syrian. By whom was he 
healed ? How did Gehazi conduct himself ? What was his punishment ? 

Chapter VIII. — How did Elisha escape capture? How did Elisha 
treat the Syrians at Samaria? How were the Israelites relieved at the' 
siege of Samaria? Who was Hazael? Why did Elisha weep when he 
met Hazael? How came Benhadad to his death? Who was his suc- 
cessor ? 

Chapter IX. — Who was Jehu, and in what year did he commence to 
rule ? By what means did he ascend the throne ? How came Jezebel by 
her death ? How did Jehu destroy the worship of Baal ? How long did 
Jehu reign in Samaria ? Who succeeded him ? Which prophet died dur- 
ing the reign of Jehoash ? Describe the war of Israel and Judah in his 
time. 

Chapter X. — Describe the reign of Jeroboam II. What prophets 
nourished in his reign ? Who succeeded Jeroboam II. ? Who was Zach- 
ariah's successor ? Who succeeded Shallum ? What occurred to Israel 
under Menahem? Who was Pekahiah's successor? How long did 
Pekah rule ? What occurred to Israel in his reign ? Describe Hoshea's 
reign. Who was Shalmaneser ? Who was the last king of Israel ? How 
long did the kingdom of Israel last ? Give the date of its ends. What do 
you know about the Samaritans? 



PART VI. 

THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH. 

CHAPTER I. 
Rehoboam.— Asa.— Jehoshaphat. 

Rehoboam (978 B.C.E.), son of Solomon, was the first 
king of Judah. After the revolt of Jeroboam and the 
division of the kingdoms he dwelt in Jerusalem, which 
remained the capital of his dominions. He was forty-one 
years old when he ascended the throne, and he reigned 
seventeen years. 

The people soon lapsed into idolatry; they provoked 
the Lord to anger by erecting temples and images. In 
the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign the country was in- 
vaded by Shishak, King of Egypt. He carried away all 
the treasures of the Lord's house and of the king's palace; 
the golden shields made by Solomon were also taken away, 
and were replaced by brazen ones. There was also con- 
tinual war between Judah and Israel during the whole of 
Rehoboam's rule. 

Abijam, his son, succeeded, and reigned three years. 
He walked in all the sinful ways of his father. 

Asa, son of Abijam, next mounted the throne and 
reigned forty- one years. He did that which was right in 
the sight of the Lord. He destroyed the idols that his 
fathers had made, and replaced in the Temple many 
vessels of silver and gold. 

148 



THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH 149 

War with the Ethiopians.— Zerah, the Ethiopian, in- 
vaded Judah at the head of an immense army and three 
hundred chariots. Asa fought a pitched battle with this 
mighty host at Mareshah in the valley of Zaphethah. 
The Ethiopians were utterly routed and pursued to Gerar. 
The victors returned to Jerusalem, bearing with them 
much spoil. 

War with Israel. — There was war between Asa and 
Baasha, King of Israel, all their days. Baasha prevailed 
against the people of Judah, and invading their land built 
the strong place of Ramah to overawe them. Whereupon 
Asa sent costly presents to Benhadad, King of Syria, and 
invited him to form a league against the Israelites. Ben- 
kadad readily consented, and at once invaded the northern 
portion of Israel. Baasha, in self-defence, was compelled 
to abandon Ramah, which was razed by order of Asa, and 
with the stones thereof were built Geba and Mizpah. Asa 
spent the rest of his life in peace. He died and was buried 
at Jerusalem. 

Jehoshaphat (917 B.C.E.), his son, succeeded him. 
He was thirty-five years old when he ascended the throne, 
and reigned twenty-five years. He was a righteous king, 
and walked in the ways of his father. Jehoshaphat was 
a great and prosperous king. He built throughout his 
kingdom many fortified castles and cities of stone, and 
caused so great a feeling of security to prevail, that com- 
merce flourished in all parts of the country. He had a 
fleet built at Tarshish, which sailed to Ophir to obtain 
gold; but the vessels were wrecked at Ezion-geber. In 
the third year of his reign he sent forth teachers to the 
various towns in Judah, who instructed the people in the 
law of God. By these wise and patriotic measures he 
established his power, so that no foreign nation ventured 
to molest him, while such inveterate foes as the Philistines 
and Arabians sent him presents and tribute. 



150 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

Jehoshaphat paid a visit to Ahab, King of Israel, at 
Samaria. A great friendship sprang up between the two 
kings, which was further increased by the marriage of 
Joram, eldest son of Jehoshaphat, to Ahab's daughter, 
Athaliah. It was here that they formed a league against 
Benhadad, King of Syria, which led to the death of Ahab 
at Ramoth-Gilead and the precipitate flight of Jehosha- 
phat to Jerusalem. When about to enter the royal city 
the king was rebuked by Jehu the seer, for helping the 
ungodly and loving them that hated the Lord. . As if to 
atone for this fault, Jehoshaphat grew even more zeal- 
ous in God's cause. He travelled throughout his realm, 
exhorting the people to worship the Lord. He placed 
judges through the land, and strictly commanded them to 
deal out even-handed justice to all men. He appointed a 
superior tribunal of priests and Levites, and of the "chiefs 
of the fathers," to sit in Jerusalem, and there to dispose 
of the more important lawsuits. 

But now danger threatened from the south. The 
Moabites, the Ammonites, and the inhabitants of Mount 
Seir came up in vast multitudes to invade the land. 
Jehoshaphat greatly feared the contest, and proclaimed a 
fast throughout Judah. While the people were humbling 
themselves in the Temple, the Lord, speaking by the 
mouth of Jahaziel the Levite, promised them a victory 
over their enemies. The next day the men of Judah 
marched out to meet their enemies, but they had no occa- 
sion to fight. A violent quarrel broke out in the camp of 
the allies, so that they turned their swords against each 
other, and " every one helped to destroy another." When 
the work of mutual destruction was complete, the men of 
Judah loaded themselves with the richest spoil, and re- 
turned, with joy and music, to Jerusalem. The rest of 
Jehoshaphat's days were peaceful. He died at Jeru- 
salem, and was buried there. 






THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH 151 

CHAPTER II. 
Jor am. — Ahaziah. — Athaliah. — Joash. — Amaziah. 

Joram, or Jehoram, succeeded his father Jehoshaphat. 
Influenced by the example of the idolatrous Athaliah, 
daughter of the wicked Jezebel, whom he had married, 
he departed from the way of God and did evil in His sight. 
His first act was to slay his six brothers whom his father 
had richly endowed. He was a weak as well as a wicked 
king, and the Edomites were not long in revolting from 
under his hand. Joram tried to crush the rebellion but 
without success. Libnah also regained its independence. 
But a greater affliction was in store for him and his people. 
The Philistines and the Arabians invaded Judah, and 
capturing Jerusalem they plundered the king's palace. 
They carried away the king's treasures, together with his 
wives and children, leaving only Ahaziah, the youngest. 
After this the king fell ill of a terrible disease, and died 
unhonored and unwept. He had reigned eight years. 

Ahaziah succeeded to the throne and reigned one year. 
He did evil in the sight of the Lord, and his mother, Atha- 
liah, counselled him in his wickedness. He joined Jeho- 
ram in his war against Hazael, King of Syria. Jehoram 
was wounded and went to be healed to Jezreel. There 
Ahaziah visited him and witnessed his murder at the hand 
of Jehu. Ahaziah fled and hid himself in Samaria. He 
was discovered and put to death at Megiddo by command 
of Jehu. He was buried at Jerusalem. 

Athaliah. — When Athaliah saw that her son was dead, 
she arose and destroyed all the royal family of the house 
of Judah. But one of the royal princesses saved the 
infant Joash, and hid him for six years in the house of 
God, while Athaliah reigned over the land. In the 
seventh year Jehoiada, the high priest, raised a rebellion 



152 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

against her. Assembling all the Levites in Jerusalem he 
armed them, together with the captains of the army, and 
with them filled the Temple. Then he brought forth the 
youthful Joash and crowned him and made him king. 
The people received him with acclamation. Athaliah, 
hearing the joyous shouts, proceeded to the Temple, and 
when she saw the newly crowned king standing at the 
entrance, she exclaimed, "Treason, treason." Jehoiada 
commanded his captains, and they carried her away from 
the Lord's house and slew her. Incited by the zeal of the 
high priest, the people broke down the house of Baal and 
destroyed his altars and images. A grand procession was 
then formed and the king was conveyed to the royal palace 
amid every token of rejoicing. 

Joash (865 B.C.E.) was seven years old when he 
mounted the throne, and he reigned forty years. He fol- 
lowed the law of God so long as Jehoiada lived to advise 
and counsel him. Parts of the Temple had fallen into 
disrepair, and the whole building had been pillaged by 
the idolatrous sons of Athaliah. The king determined to 
repair the "breaches in the Lord's house." He placed a 
chest in the Temple, to receive the offerings of those who 
contributed toward the expenses of the restoration. As 
soon as the chest was filled, its contents were counted, and 
paid to the workmen, who had been engaged in large num- 
bers. The gold and silver vessels used in the Temple 
service were also replaced, and the service itself was con- 
ducted with splendor and with the greatest regularity. 

Jehoiada died at the age of one hundred and thirty 
years. Then the king, listening to the promptings of his 
young courtiers, fell into evil ways. He forsook the wor- 
ship of God, and served the idols. Zechariah, the son of 
Jehoiada, denounced this apostasy: and the people, at the 
king's command, stoned him to death in the court of the 
Temple. Punishment soon followed. In the same year 



THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH 153 

Hazael led a Syrian host to Jerusalem. He would, doubt- 
less, have captured the city had not Joash bought him off 
with splendid gifts, taken from the treasures of the Temple 
and of the king's house. Joash after this fell ill. Two of 
his servants, taking advantage of his prostrate condition, 
conspired against him and slew him. He was buried at 
Jerusalem, but not in the tombs of the kings. 

Amaziah, his son, was the next king, and his reign 
lasted twenty-nine years. "He did that which was right 
in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart." 
One of his first acts was to slay the murderers of his father, 
but their children he slew not, in accordance with the com- 
mand, "The fathers shall not die for the children, neither 
shall the children die for the fathers : but every man shall 
die for his own sin." Having strengthened his army, he 
led them against the Edomites, whom he defeated with 
great slaughter. Elated by this victory, he sent a warlike 
challenge to Joash, King of Israel, saying, "Come, let us 
look one another in the face." Joash advised him to 
curb his vanity and remain peacefully at home, lest harm 
should befall him. Amaziah would not listen to reason, 
and the kings met in battle at Beth-shemesh. Judah sus- 
tained a severe defeat, and Amaziah himself was taken 
prisoner. Then Joash went up to Jerusalem and broke 
down part of its walls. He also plundered the temple and 
the palace of all the gold and silver and vessels they con- 
tained, and, taking hostages with him, returned to Sama- 
ria. Amaziah, in his later days, had lapsed into idolatry. 
His apostasy raised a faction against him in Jerusalem, 
and he fled to Lachish, but they sent after him and slew 
him there. He was buried with his fathers in the city of 
David. 



154 MANUAL OP SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

CHAPTER III. 
Uzziah.— Jotham.— Ahaz.— Hezekiah. 

Uzziah, or Azariah.— On the death of Amaziah the 
people placed his son, Uzziah, on the throne. He was 
sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned 
fifty-two years. He walked in the ways of God, and 
listened to the teachings of the prophets, Amos, Zecha- 
riah, Joel, and Isaiah. In successive campaigns he con- 
quered the Philistines and the Arabians, while the Am- 
monites were glad to pay him tribute. He repaired the 
walls of Jerusalem, and built fresh towers on them. He 
greatly encouraged husbandry, and dug many wells. 
Great in the pursuits of war and peace his heart grew 
proud, and was lifted up to his destruction. Entering 
the sanctuary, he dared to offer incense before the Lord. 
At once he was smitten with leprosy, and being thrust out 
of the Temple, dwelt apart in a separate house till the day 
of his death. His son Jotham was made regent, and on 
his father's death ascended the throne. 

Jotham reigned sixteen years. He did what was right 
in the sight of the Lord, still the people worshipped idols 
and were corrupt. Jotham subdued the Ammonites and 
received from them tributes of silver, wheat, and barley. 
He built many cities in the mountains of Judah. 

Ahaz succeeded his father Jotham, and reigned sixteen 
years. He was an impious king, worshipping many 
abominations, and burning his children on the altars of 
strange gods. His reign was most disastrous. Rezin, King 
of Syria, and Pekah, King of Israel, joined their forces 
to besiege Jerusalem. In his distress, Ahaz sent costly 
gifts to Tiglath-pileser, King of Assyria, begging him to 
hasten to his assistance. Tiglath-pileser complied with 
the request. He invaded Syria, captured Damascus, and 



THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH 155 

slew Rezin, who had hurried back to its defence. Pekah, 
however, prevailed against Judah. He slew in one day 
one hundred and twenty thousand, all valiant men, and 
carried away two hundred thousand men and women cap- 
tives to Samaria. These would no doubt have endured 
the horrors of slavery, had not Oded, a prophet of God, 
interceded on their behalf so effectually that the captives 
were sent honorably back to their own land. Ahaz 
journeyed to Damascus to visit Tiglath-pileser, and on his 
return to Jerusalem introduced the worship of the Syrian 
gods. In this reign also the Edomites and Philistines 
gained many successes against Judah. Ahaz was buried 
in Jerusalem, but not in the city of the kings. 

Hezekiah (723 B.C. E.), his son, succeeded, and reigned 
for twenty-nine years. He was a most just and pious 
king, doing that which was right in the sight of God, 
" according to all that David his father did." He was 
unwearying in his resolve to uproot idolatry. He de- 
stroyed the images, cut down the groves, and even broke 
in pieces the brazen serpent of Moses, which had become 
an object of worship. "He trusted in the Lord God of 
Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the 
kings of Judah, nor any that were before him." His first 
act was to cleanse the Temple of its defilements, and 
restore the service of the Most High. He exhorted the 
priests to assist him in this holy work, and they willingly 
seconded his efforts. 

Hezekiah' s Passover. — When the work of purifying 
the Temple had been accomplished, Hezekiah resolved 
upon a national celebration of the Passover. To this end 
he sent letters to all the tribes of Israel and Judah, invit- 
ing them to Jerusalem to solemnize the festival. Many 
people of Israel mocked at the messengers of the king. 
Nevertheless some of the men, filled with a better spirit, 
went up to Jerusalem at the king's invitation. The royal 



156 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

city was thronged with devout worshippers. They care- 
fully removed every relic of idol worship from her midst. 
For seven days was the festival kept with great gladness; 
the priests and the Levites praising God day by day, 
" singing with loud instruments unto the Lord." The 
king joined in the joyous celebration with heart and souL 
There had been no such Passover kept since the days of 
Solomon, King of Israel. It resulted in a great religious 
revival throughout Judah. 

Overcomes the Philistines. — Hezekiah soon found him- 
self at war with the old enemies of Israel. He smote the 
Philistines unto Gaza, and wasted all their borders. 

In the sixth year of Hezekiah's reign occurred the de- 
struction of the kingdom of Israel by Shalmaneser, King 
of Assyria. 

Isaiah the prophet was the constant friend and adviser 
of Hezekiah. Micah also nourished in this reign. 



CHAPTER IV. 
Hezekiah {continued). — Manasseh.— Amon. 

War with the Assyrians. — Hezekiah now determined 
to release his kingdom from the yoke of the Assyrians, 
and, as a first step, he refused to pay them any further 
tribute. Sennacherib, who was now King of Assyria, 
gathered a mighty host, invaded Judah, and captured 
some of the fenced cities. Then Hezekiah's heart failed 
him, and he begged Sennacherib to retire. The King of 
Assyria agreed to depart upon receiving three hundred 
talents of silver, and thirty talents of gold. Hezekiah, in 
order to pay this fine, stripped the house of the Lord, and 
also his own palace, of all the wealth they contained. 

The danger was averted for a time; but after a few 
years Sennacherib again invaded Judah. He himself laid 



THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH 157 

siege to Lachish, while his three generals, at the head 
of a powerful army, set out to besiege Jerusalem. Mean- 
while Hezekiah was not idle. He strengthened the walls 
and defences of his capital, cut off the water-supply from 
the outlying districts, and made darts and shields in 
abundance. He appointed captains over the people, and 
exhorted them all to be courageous and to trust in the 
Lord. 

The enemy was now encamped around Jerusalem, and 
the Assyrian captains delivered a most insulting message 
from their master, in which they scoffed at Hezekiah, and 
railed at the God of Judah. 

When the message of the Assyrian monarch was con- 
veyed to Hezekiah, he rent his clothes, and sent for counsel 
to the prophet Isaiah. The God-inspired man bade the 
king be of good courage, and not fear the words of Senna- 
cherib, who had blasphemed the Lord, and whose speedy 
destruction would follow. "And it came to pass that 
night, that the angel of the Lord went out and smote in 
the camp of the Assyrians a hundred four score and five 
thousand ; and when they arose early in the morning, be- 
hold they were all dead corpses." Then Sennacherib 
returned to Nineveh, and while at worship was slain by 
two of his sons. Esarhaddon, another son, succeeded to 
the throne. 

Hezekiah's Illness.— After this Hezekiah became sick 
unto death, and Isaiah bore to him this message from the 
Lord, "Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die and 
not live." Hezekiah prayed to God, and at once Isaiah 
brought him the comforting assurance that he should be 
healed within three days, and that the Lord would add 
fifteen years to his life. 

Merodach-baladon, King of Babylon, sent ambassadors 
bearing letters and a present to Hezekiah. The king, in 
the pride of his heart, showed the Babylonians all his 



158 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

riches, his gold and silver and spices, and all his armor. 
Isaiah stood before him, and foretold that the day would 
come when all those treasures would be carried down to 
Babylon, and that his offspring would be slaves in the 
palace of the Babylonian king. One of the last acts of 
Hezekiah was to build a new conduit for conveying water 
to Jerusalem. The king slept with his fathers, and was 
buried in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of 
David. 

Manasseh, his son, succeeded him and reigned fifty- 
five years. He was a gross idolater. He built altars to 
strange gods in the courts of the Temple, made his son 
pass through the fire, and consorted with wizards. The 
Lord warned the people by the mouth of His prophets 
that terrible evils would overtake them, but king and peo- 
ple were alike deaf to these warnings. Manasseh shed 
much innocent blood throughout Jerusalem, and it is 
traditionally related that he caused Isaiah to be tortured 
to death. 

Manasseh' s Punishment. — The Assyrian hosts again 
invaded Judah, and this time with success. They took 
Manasseh, bound him with fetters, and carried him to 
Babylon. In his affliction "he besought the Lord his 
God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his 
fathers." God listened to his prayers and restored him 
to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. "Then Manasseh 
knew that the Lord was God." He purged Jerusalem of 
its idols, and removed the altars he had erected in the 
Temple. He also repaired and strengthened the defences 
of the holy city, and placed captains of war in all the 
fenced cities of Judah. His long and inglorious reign 
ended at last, and he was buried in the garden of his 
palace. 

Amon, his son, succeeded, and reigned only two years. 
He was an idolater like his father, but unlike his father 



THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH 159 

he did not repent of his wickedness. His servants con- 
spired against him and slew him. But his death was 
avenged by the people who put his assassins to death. 
They then placed Josiah, his son, on the throne. 



CHAPTER V. 
Josiah. — Jehoahaz. 

Josiah (638 B.C.E.) began his reign at the tender age 
of eight, and his rule lasted thirty-one years. .Little is 
known of the early period of his rule, but when he reached 
the age of sixteen he began to seek the Lord with all 
his heart. The wickedness and idolatry that were rife 
throughout his kingdom became an abomination to him, 
and he resolved to purge the land 6f its iniquity. In this 
determination he was ably assisted by his faithful minis- 
ters and the prophets Jeremiah, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, 
and Nahum, who, by their earnest exhortations, strove to 
fan the flame of religious ardor among the people. Jo- 
siah' s first work was to restore the Temple worship. He 
caused every vestige of idolatry to be removed from the 
sacred precincts, and repaired those portions of the House 
of God that had fallen into ruin. 

The Book of the Law Found. — While engaged in 
overlooking the work in the Temple, "Hilkiah the priest 
found a book of the law of the Lord given by Moses." 
The repairs of the Temple having been finished, the king 
summoned all the men of Judah to Jerusalem, even to the 
Temple ; then, standing in his place, "he read in their ears 
all the words of the book of the covenant that was found 
in the house of the Lord." Then he bound himself and 
all present by a solemn compact to keep God's command- 
ments, His testimonies, and His statutes with all their 
heart and soul. After this he sent his officers throughout 



160 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

the land, who removed all traces of idolatry and exhorted 
the people to serve the Lord their God. 

Josiah's Passover. — Further to increase the people's 
devotion, Josiah kept a solemn Passover unto the Lord in 
Jerusalem. All the necessary ceremonies were performed 
with minute exactness. "There was no Passover like to 
that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; 
neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a Passover as 
Josiah kept." 

Josiah's Death. — The King of Babylonia gradually 
extended his sway west of the River Euphrates. His suc- 
cesses roused the jealousy of Pharaoh-Necho, ruler of the 
great Egyptian nation. Raising an immense army, he set 
out to attack the Babylonian town of Charchemish on 
the Euphrates. Josiah, espousing the cause of the Baby- 
lonian king, raised an army, and attempted to oppose 
Pharaoh's advance. The Egyptian monarch sent ambas- 
sadors to Josiah begging him to desist, since there was no 
quarrel between Egypt and Judah. Nevertheless, Josiah 
would not alter his decision, but joined battle with the 
Egyptians in the valley of Megiddo. Before entering the 
fray, Josiah had disguised himself as a common soldier. 
But a stray arrow pierced the king's body, and he called 
to his servants to bear him away from the field. They 
hastened with him to Jerusalem, where he died and was 
buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. The 
mourning for this truly pious king was general throughout 
Judah and Jerusalem, the prophet Jeremiah especially 
lamenting his death. 

Jehoahaz, or Shallum, one of Josiah's sons, was made 
king by the people. He reigned only three months. He 
did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord as most of 
his ancestors had done. He soon incurred the displeasure 
of Pharaoh-Necho, who loaded him with fetters and car- 
ried him down to Egypt, where he died. 



THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH 161 

CHAPTER VI. 
Jehoiakim. — Jehoiachin. — Zedekiah. 

Jehoiakim. — Pharaoh-Necho placed Eliakim, one of 
the sons of Josiah, upon the vacant throne, at the same 
time changing his name to Jehoiakim. He, too, was a 
wicked king, doing evil in the sight of the Lord. In order 
to pay the tribute exacted by the king of Egypt, he taxed 
the land very heavily ; and although the land was groan- 
ing under its many misfortunes he led a life of riot and 
extravagance. 

Nebuchadnezzar. — The Egyptians were at first suc- 
cessful in their expedition against the Babylonians. But 
the aspect of affairs was changed when Nebuchadnezzar, 
son of the king of Babylon, appeared upon the scene. 
He was a man of unbounded ambition, a skilful general, 
and an able administrator. He inflicted a crushing 
defeat upon the Egyptians at Carchemish and wrested 
from them all their previous conquests. Pursuing his 
victorious career, he entered Judah and reduced its king 
to a state of vassalage. For three years Jehoiakim paid 
him tribute, but in the fourth year he rebelled. Nebu- 
chadnezzar sent his captains, who raised the Syrians, 
the Moabites, and the Ammonites against him, and be- 
sieged Jerusalem. In the midst of these troubles the 
king died, having reigned eleven years. 

Jeremiah. — During the whole of Jehoiakim's reign the 
prophet Jeremiah was unceasing in his denunciations of 
the wickedness and folly of the people. Again and again 
he exhorted them to return to the Lord, lest destruction 
should overtake them. He prophesied with unmistakable 
plainness the overthrow of Jerusalem and the captivity 
that would follow. But his words were unheeded, his 
reproofs scoffed at. His life was often in great danger, 
ii 



162 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

He was cast into prison, and at one period was saved from 
certain death only at the intercession of one or two of the 
better disposed among the people. His scribe and disci- 
ple Baruch shared with him many of these trials. 

Jehoiachin, son of the last king, succeeded him and 
reigned three months. He also did evil in the sight of the 
Lord. Nebuchadnezzar, who had mounted the Baby- 
lonian throne, now marched to Jerusalem to conduct the 
siege in person. Jehoiachin, finding resistance useless, 
surrendered the city and himself into the hands of the King 
of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar entered the Holy City and 
despoiled the Temple and the king's palace of all their 
treasures. He then carried away Jehoiachin and his fam- 
ily, and all the princes and the mighty men of valor to the 
number of ten thousand captives to Babylon, leaving only 
the poorest sort of people to inhabit Jerusalem. Among 
the captives was the prophet Ezekiel. He then appointed 
Mattaniah, the king's uncle, to reign in his stead, and 
changed his name to Zedekiah. For many years Jehoia- 
chin was treated with great severity in Babylon, and 
closely confined to prison. But in the thirty- seventh year 
of the captivity "Merodach, King of Babylon, in the year 
that he began to reign," took the unfortunate King of 
Judah out of prison, changed his prison garments, and set 
his throne above the throne of the other captive and tribu- 
tary kings in Babylon. He treated him with continual 
kindness and liberality till the day of his death. 

Zedekiah, the nineteenth and last King of Judah, 
reigned eleven years. He did that which was evil in the 
sight of the Lord, nor did he listen to the exhortations of 
Jeremiah who, throughout the whole of his reign, con- 
tinued to denounce the sinful misdeeds of king and people. 

The People Divided. — There were at this time two fac- 
tions among the people: the one, headed by many false 
prophets, sought alliance with the Egyptians in the hope 



THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH 163 

of freeing themselves from the Babylonian yoke; the 
other, led by Jeremiah, were in favor of acknowledging 
the supremacy of Babylon, and of waiting and laboring 
for the time when, through a return of God's favor, the 
people might regain their independence. Unfortunately 
the king threw in his lot with the Egyptian party, and he 
entered into an alliance with the king of Egypt, although 
he had sworn fealty to Nebuchadnezzar. In vain Jere- 
miah warned king and people at Jerusalem that they were 
rushing to destruction; while Ezekiel, prophesying in 
Babylonia, denounced in unmeasured tones the perfidy 
of Judah. The exhortations of the prophets fell upon 
closed ears, and the end, so long and persistently foretold, 
rapidly approached. 

Siege of Jerusalem. — The forbearance of the Baby- 
lonian king was at length exhausted. In the ninth year 
of Zedekiah's reign, Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem 
and built walls and forts round about it. The siege lasted 
two years, until the people were reduced to the last extrem- 
ity of famine. The alliance with Egypt proved a broken 
reed. The Egyptians made a feeble attempt to divert 
the Babylonians from the siege of Jerusalem, but they 
were defeated by Nebuchadnezzar at Gaza. No further 
attempt was made to relieve the city, whose doom was 
hastened by the dissensions which raged within its walls. 
Jeremiah, finding his counsels were scorned, attempted to 
withdraw to his native town in Benjamin, but was thrown 
into prison on a charge of treason. Meanwhile the Baby- 
lonians prosecuted the siege with redoubled vigor. 

Destruction of Jerusalem (586 B.C.E.).— The final 
catastrophe, so long and so plainly predicted, was now at 
hand. In the eleventh year of Zedekiah's reign, on the 
ninth day of the fourth month, Jerusalem was carried by 
assault. The king, hastily collecting a remnant of his 
defenders, fled by night, but was hotly pursued by the 



164 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

Babylonians, who overtook and captured him in the plains 
of Jericho. The unfortunate monarch was carried before 
Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah where judgment was passed 
upon him. "And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before 
his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah and bound him 
with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon." 

For a month Nebuchadnezzar deliberated as to the 
ultimate fate of Jerusalem. But on the seventh day of 
the fifth month Nebuzar-adan, captain of the guard to the 
King of Babylon, entered the sacred city. "And he burnt 
the house of the Lord and the king's house, and all the 
houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt 
he with fire." The walls of Jerusalem were razed to the 
ground, and the remnant of her inhabitants carried away 
to Babylon; save only the poorest of the land, who re- 
mained as vine-dressers and husbandmen. There were 
likewise carried away all the sacred vessels of the Temple 
which Solomon had made. Seraiah, the high priest, to- 
gether with other dignitaries, were slain. But Jeremiah 
was spared and even treated with honor. Permission was 
granted him to go down to Babylon or to remain in Ju- 
dah. He chose the latter alternative and dwelt with his 
brethren until their subsequent flight into Egypt. Thus 
fell the kingdom of Judah. It had endured three hun- 
dred and eighty-seven years, and had been ruled by 
nineteen kings. 

QUESTIONS. 



Chapter I. — Who was the first king of Judah? Give the date of his 
reign. How many years did Rehoboam reign in Jerusalem ? Who was 
Rehoboam's successor? Who succeeded Abijam? Give an account of 
Asa's reign. With what king did he enter into an alliance, and against 
whom? How long did he rule? Give the name of Asa's successor. 
How long did Jehoshaphat rule? Give the date and an account of his 
reign. With whom did Jehoshaphat form a league ? Who succeeded him ? 



THE KINGDOM OF JUDAH 165 

Chapter II. — Who was Joram's wife ? Describe his reign. Who suc- 
ceeded Joram ? How did Ahaziah come by his death ? Who succeeded 
him? How long did Athalia reign? What action did Jehoiada take? 
How was Joash made king? How old was he when he began to reign, 
and in what year? How long did he rule? Describe his later years. 
What prophet was killed at his command ? Whose son was Zechariah ? 
Describe the reign of Amaziah. How long did Amaziah reign? With 
what king of Israel did he go to war? How did he come by his death? 

Chapter III. — How long did Uzziah reign ? Whose successor was he ? 
What was his other name ? Give an account of Uzziah' s reign. Whose 
teachings did he follow ? What was his sin and punishment ? Who suc- 
ceeded him? What did Jotham accomplish? Who was Jotham's suc- 
cessor? Who invaded Judah during the reign of Ahaz? What king 
came to help him against his allied enemies ? What was the result of the 
war ? Who succeeded Ahaz ? How long did Hezekiah reign ? Give the 
date of his reign. What did he do with the brazen serpent? Give an 
account of the Passover celebrated by Hezekiah. What kingdom was 
destroyed during his reign ? Name the two prophets who prophesied in 
his time. 

Chapter IV. — Who invaded Judah during Hezekiah's reign ? Give an 
account of this invasion. What interference took place for his deliver- 
ance? By whom and on what occasion was the Babylonian Captivity 
first foretold ? Who was the successor of Hezekiah ? Describe the reign 
of Manasseh. How long did he rule? By whom was he succeeded? 
Who was Amon's successor? 

Chapter V. — How old was Josiah when he began to reign ? Give the 
date of his reign. What steps did he take for the restoration of the wor- 
ship of God? Give the names of the prophets who assisted him in his 
work. What kind of a Passover did Josiah keep? In what battle did 
he die ? Who was his successor ? Describe the misfortunes of the reign 
of Jehoahaz. 

Chapter VI. — Who succeeded Jehoahaz? Describe the reign of 
Jehoiakim. Who was Nebuchadnezzar? Why was Jeremiah perse- 
cuted? Who was Baruch? Who was Jehoiakim 's successor? What 
happened in the reign of Jehoiachin? Who was Ezekiel? How long 
was Jehoiachin kept a captive? By whom was he set free? Who was 
his successor ? What provocation did Zedekiah give to Nebuchadnezzar ? 
What was his fate ? Who was the last king of Judah ? What brought 
on the siege of Jerusalem ? By whom and on what day was the Temple 
destroyed ? When, where, and by whom were the people of Judah taken 
captives? How long did the kingdom of Judah exist? Give the date 
of its end. 



PART VII. 

THE CAPTIVITY. THE RESTORATION. 

CHAPTER I. 
Gedaliah. — Ishmael. 

Gedaliah. — Before returning to Babylon, Nebuchad- 
nezzar appointed Gedaliah, son of Ahikam, ruler over the 
remnant of the people who had been permitted to remain 
in the land of Judah. Gedaliah set up his court in Miz- 
pah, and there gathered unto him Jeremiah the prophet, 
and such of the leading men as had escaped the general 
destruction. Among them was Ishmael, the son of Neth- 
aniah, of the royal family, a restless and ambitious man, 
who soon formed a plot for the murder of Gedaliah. 
Johanan, the son of Kareah, revealed the plot to Ged- 
aliah, and even offered to rid him of the conspirator. 
Gedaliah, however, turned a deaf ear to the warning. In 
the second month of his rule he was treacherously mur- 
dered by Ishmael and his followers, who also put to the 
sword all the Jews and Chaldeans that were found in 
Mizpah. 

Ishmael. — The assassination of Gedaliah was kept a 
secret. On the second day after the occurrence there 
reached Mizpah a band of Israelites, eighty in number, 
from Shechem, Shiloh, and Samaria, to offer up their 
lamentations at the ruined temple of the Lord. Ishmael, 
pretending to mourn with them, led them into the midst 
of the city and then put them to the sword. 

166 



THE CAPTIVITY— THE RESTORATION 167 

But now terror fell upon Ishmael and his supporters. 
By the murder of Gedaliah and the slaughter of the Chal- 
deans they had openly rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, 
and they feared the wrath of that monarch. They re- 
solved upon flight, and Ishmael compelled the people to 
accompany him to the land of the Ammonites. But 
Johanan, the determined enemy of Ishmael, pursued him 
with a band of men, and overtook him at the waters of 
Gibeon. Ishmael was immediately deserted by the bulk 
of his followers, and was glad to escape to Ammon with 
but eight of his men. Johanan, still fearing the wrath of 
Nebuchadnezzar, led the people toward Egypt. Jere- 
miah entreated the people in God's name to return to 
Judah, and to dwell in peace under the rule of the Baby- 
lonian kings, but his words were unheeded. The Jews 
entered Egypt and dwelt in Tahpanhes. Their disregard 
of God's command not to go down to Egypt met with its 
due punishment. In course of time Nebuchadnezzar 
victoriously invaded Egypt, and revenged himself upon 
the Jews who had taken refuge in that land. 

CHAPTER II. 

The Captivity.— Daniel. 

Daniel. — The great mass of the Jews now dwelt in 
Babylon. Their lot would not have been unhappy, could 
they have forgotten their native land, with its glorious 
associations. They were permitted a considerable amount 
of freedom, and some of their comeliest youths were edu- 
cated and trained at the king's expense. Among these 
were Daniel, with his companions, Hananiah, Mishael, 
and Azariah, to whom were given the Chaldean names of 
Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. At 
the end of their period of training, the four young Jews 



168 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

were presented to the king, who was so pleased with their 
attainments that he appointed them to places near his 
person. 

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream.— Nebuchadnezzar, in the 
second year of his reign, dreamed a dream, wherewith his 
spirit was troubled. He called his astrologers and sor- 
cerers, and bade them tell him the dream and its interpre- 
tation ; but they were altogether unable to satisfy the king ; 
the secret was, however, revealed to Daniel in a night 
vision, and he explained the dream to Nebuchadnezzar. 
The monarch had beheld a mighty image, the head of 
which was of gold, the breast and arms of silver, the trunk 
and thighs of brass, the legs of iron, the feet part of iron 
and part of clay. In the interpretation, mention was 
made of the successive kingdoms which were to arise on 
the downfall of Babylon and of each other. So impressed 
was Nebuchadnezzar with the wisdom and skill of Daniel 
that he fell upon his face and worshipped him, exclaim- 
ing: " Of a truth it is that your God is a God of gods and 
a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou 
couldst reveal this secret." Then the king made Daniel 
ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and also asso- 
ciated his friends with him in the affairs of government. 

The Fiery Furnace. — Nebuchadnezzar set up an 
image of gold, and bade all his people bow down and 
worship it. Some of the princes of the land, who were 
jealous of the honors bestowed upon Daniel and his com- 
panions, noticed that they disobeyed the command, and 
reported their conduct to the king. The king ordered 
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be thrown into a 
fiery furnace, heated seven times more than it was wont 
to be heated. But Nebuchadnezzar beheld with amaze- 
ment that they stood unharmed in the midst of the furnace. 
Bidding them come forth, he ordered their accusers to be 
cast into the flames, and they were instantly consumed. 



THE CAPTIVITY— THE RESTORATION 169 

CHAPTER III. 
Daniel {continued). — Belshazzar. 

Belshazzar. — The Bible does not narrate the events of 
the following twenty-three years, but resumes the history 
of Babylon in the second year of the reign of Belshazzar, 
a descendant of Nebuchadnezzar. 

Belshazzar' s Vision. — Belshazzar made a great feast 
to a thousand of his lords. The king and his court drank 
wine out of the golden vessels brought from the Temple 
at Jerusalem, and praised their gods of gold and silver, 
of brass and iron, of wood and stone. At that moment 
the fingers of a man's hand were seen writing certain 
words upon the walls of the banqueting hall. Consterna- 
tion fell upon the revellers assembled. The king, who 
shook with fear, so that "his knees smote one against 
another," summoned his wise men and astrologers; but 
no one could explain the mystic characters. At length 
Daniel was fetched from the retirement in which he ap- 
pears to have lived for many years, and entreated to 
explain the ominous writing. The prophet first rebuked 
the king because he had defied the Lord of Heaven, de- 
filed the sacred vessels of His Temple, and praised his 
graven images, "which see not, nor hear, nor know." 
Then, turning to the wall, he read to the king the words, 
Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin, and announced their 
interpretation — "God hath numbered thy kingdom and 
finished it;" "thou art weighed in the balances and art 
found wanting ; " " thy kingdom is divided and given to the 
Medes and Persians." As a reward for his skill, Daniel 
was clothed in scarlet, and proclaimed third ruler in the 
kingdom. 

That very night, Cyrus, having turned the waters of the 
Euphrates, entered through the gap in the battlements, 



170 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

captured the city of Babylon, and slew Belshazzar, to- 
gether with many of his lords. Thus fell Babylonia 
beneath the Persian yoke. Cyrus appointed Darius the 
Mede satrap of the conquered province. 

Daniel in the Lions' Den.— Darius appointed one 
hundred and twenty princes who should be over the whole 
kingdom, and above them all he placed Daniel. The 
princes were jealous of his promotion, and persuaded 
Darius to sign a decree that no one should ask a petition 
of any god or man for thirty days, save of the king alone. 
He who transgressed this command was to be flung into 
the lions' den. The princes hoped that Daniel would 
disobey the decree, and in this hope they were not disap- 
pointed, for Daniel offered up his prayers and suppli- 
cations to God, as was his daily custom. The princes 
claimed judgment against Daniel, and Darius very un- 
willingly consented. Daniel was thrown to the lions, but 
through the mercy of God they harmed him not. Then 
Darius commanded that the accusers should be thrust 
into the den, when they were instantly torn to pieces. 
Daniel lived, honored and beloved, at the Persian court 
for the rest of his life. 



CHAPTER IV. 

End of the Captivity.— The Temple Rebuilt. 

Cyrus's Proclamation. — The long captivity, so patiently 
borne by the Jews, was now about to end. Cyrus, who 
deserved the proud title of "Servant of God," issued a 
decree in the first year of his reign, permitting and en- 
couraging his Jewish captives to return to the Holy Land. 
He further desired his subjects to endow the Jews "with 
silver and with gold, and with goods and with beasts," 
besides giving them free-will offerings for the Temple to 



THE CAPTIVITY— THE RESTORATION 171 

be erected in Jerusalem. Cyrus also brought forth the 
vessels of the house of the Lord that had been carried 
away by Nebuchadnezzar, to the number of five thousand 
four hundred, and restored them to the captives. 

Return of the Jews (535 B.C.E.). — And so the joyous 
caravan set out on its long march from Babylon to Jeru- 
salem. It comprised 42,360 Jewish souls, besides whom 
there were 7,367 servants and 8,136 beasts of burden. 
Nevertheless, many of the Jews remained in Babylon, 
while many more settled in Persia, keeping up communi- 
cation with their brethren in Jerusalem, and going up 
there from time to time. Cyrus appointed Zerubbabel as 
leader, and conferred upon him the title of "Tirshatha." 
The Bible states, that among those who went up were 
"two hundred singing men and singing women;" and it 
is most probable that these composed and sang some of 
the Psalms which refer especially to the return from ex- 
ile. The Holy Land being reached, the Jews settled down 
in the cities which they had formerly occupied. In the 
month of Tishri "the people gathered themselves together 
as one man to Jerusalem, to celebrate the festivals." 
Jeshua, the priest, and Zerubbabel the governor, set up 
an altar to God, and offered thereon the prescribed sac- 
rifices. They also celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles, 
with all its observances. 

Rebuilding the Temple. — The people now contributed 
largely, from the wealth they had brought with them from 
Babylon, toward the rebuilding of the Temple. They 
hired masons and carpenters ; Tyrian and Sidonian wood- 
cutters hewed down for them the cedars of Lebanon, con- 
veyed them to Joppa and thence to Jerusalem. In the 
second year of their return they laid the foundations of the 
House of God, amid the greatest rejoicing. 

The Work Hindered.— Troubles were not long in 
coming. When Shalmaneser carried the men of Israel 



172 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

captive to Assyria, he transferred a considerable number 
of his own subjects to the depopulated cities. These 
Assyrians, or Cutheans, as they are sometimes called, now 
came to Zerubbabel and Jeshua, and claimed to partake 
in the work in which they were engaged, saying : " For we 
seek your God as ye do, and we do sacrifice unto Him." 
But Zerubbabel and Jeshua peremptorily refused to let 
them have any share in the work. Disappointed in their 
desire, they troubled the people of Judah, and hindered 
them in their plans. They also influenced Cyrus, who 
withdrew his proclamation, and so the work of rebuilding 
the Temple was suspended till the second year of the reign 
of Darius, King of Persia, a period of about fifteen years. 
The prophets Haggai and Zechariah lived and prophesied 
unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem during 
this time. 

Dedication of the Second Temple (516 B.C.E.).— 
Zerubbabel and Jeshua now ventured to resume the build- 
ing of the Temple. The Persian satrap of Judea asked 
by what authority they were proceeding with their enter- 
prise, and was informed that they were acting in accord- 
ance with a proclamation issued by Cyrus. The satrap 
knew of no such document ; but caused search to be made 
for it in the royal records. It was found, and instantly 
Darius pronounced a decree permitting the Jews to con- 
tinue their work. The Temple was finished on the third 
day of the month Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of 
Darius. The dedication was celebrated with great joy, 
numerous sacrifices were offered, and the due services of 
the House of God were regulated according to the law of 
Moses. In the following month the people went up to 
Jerusalem, and kept the festival of Passover, with all its 
ceremonial observances. 



THE CAPTIVITY— THE RESTORATION 173 

CHAPTER V. 
History of Esther (473 B.O.E.). 

Ahasuerus.— On the death of Darius, the throne of 
Persia was filled by Ahasuerus — probably the historical 
Xerxes. His kingdom extended from India to Ethiopia, 
and embraced one hundred and twenty-seven provinces. 
In the third year of his reign he gave a grand entertain- 
ment to his nobles in Shushan (Susa), his capital. In the 
height of the revelry, he commanded his queen, Vashti, 
to appear at the banquet, "to show the people and the 
princes her beauty." Vashti disobeyed the royal com- 
mand, and was in consequence divorced by the king. 

Esther. — After a time Ahasuerus sought another wife. 
Among the Jews dwelling in Persia was a descendant of 
the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai. He had brought 
up an orphan cousin, named Hadassah, or Esther, a 
maiden beautiful to look upon, and good as she was beau- 
tiful. She was taken to the palace, and so fair did. she 
appear in Ahasuerus's eyes, that he set the royal crown 
upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. 

Mordecai. — Hadassah' s elevation brought with it the 
promotion of Mordecai, who is spoken of as sitting in 
the " king's gate." Being thus brought in contact with the 
court officials, he discovered that a plot was being hatched 
against the king's life by two of his trusted chamberlains. 
Mordecai informed the king, through Esther, of the con- 
spiracy. Investigation was made, the chamberlains were 
found guilty, and hanged, and the circumstances were 
written in the Book of the Chronicles. 

Haman. — After these events Ahasuerus promoted his 
favorite, Haman, to the chief post of honor in his king- 
dom. All the king's officers bowed down to Haman; 
" but Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence." Anger 



174 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

and hatred filled Hainan's soul, and he resolved on the 
destruction, not only of Mordecai, but of all the. Jews in 
the Persian dominions. With the superstition of an 
Oriental he cast lots to find a month unlucky to the Jews, 
and the lot fell upon the month of Adar. Going to the 
king, Haman spoke in harsh terms of the Jews, counsel- 
ling their destruction, and offered the king ten thousand 
talents of silver in exchange for their lives. Ahasuerus, a 
weak and foolish monarch, sealed a decree for the exter- 
mination of the Jews on the thirteenth day of Adar, and 
their goods to be taken as a spoil. 

Esther's Resolution.— Mordecai soon heard of the 
decree. He sent a message to Esther, bidding her sup- 
plicate the king to spare her unfortunate people. He 
pointed out to her, that if she refused her aid, help would 
come from another quarter, and that it looked like the 
design of Providence that she should be queen at such a 
time. Moved by these words, Esther commanded that 
all the Jews in Shushan should fast three days and three 
nights; at the end of that time she would go to the king, 
although against the law, adding: "And if I perish, I 
perish." 

CHAPTER VI. 

History of Esther {continued). 

Esther's Request. — The fast was held, and the queen, 
arraying herself in her gorgeous robes, stood before the 
king. No sooner did Ahasuerus look upon her than he 
held out the golden sceptre, and asked what request she 
had to make, for he would grant it, were it even the half 
of his kingdom. The queen replied by inviting the king 
and Haman to a banquet which she had prepared. At 
the banquet the king again asked Esther to name her 
request. Esther replied by asking the king and Haman 



THE CAPTIVITY— THE RESTORATION 175 

to a feast on the following night. Haman went forth 
more than ever elated at the honor shown him by the 
queen; but when he saw the unbending Mordecai in the 
king's gate his heart was filled with wrath. Taking coun- 
sel with his wife, Zeresh, she advised him to build a gal- 
lows fifty cubits high, and to ask the king's permission to 
hang Mordecai on it. 

Mordecai' s Honors. — On that eventful night the king 
could not sleep, and to while away the time the chronicles 
of his reign were read before him. When the circum- 
stances of the plot against his life were read, he suddenly 
inquired what honor and dignity had been done to Mor- 
decai. At this moment Haman entered. The king at 
once asked Haman what should be done to the man whom 
the king delighted to honor. Haman, thinking that the 
king wished to bestow upon him some new token of his 
favor, answered that the man should be arrayed in the 
king's robes, with the king's crown upon his head; that 
he should ride through the city upon the king's horse, and 
that a herald should proclaim before him, "Thus shall 
it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to 
honor." Ahasuerus ordered Haman to go at once, and 
do to Mordecai even as he had said. The procession 
being over, Haman hastened to his house mourning. 
With a heavy heart he went to the queen's second 
banquet. 

Hainan's Pall. — Again, at the second feast, Ahasuerus 
asked Esther what was her petition and her request. 
Then Esther revealed to the king that she was of the Jew- 
ish race, and that she and her people were doomed to 
destruction. The king asked who it was that dared pre- 
sume in his heart to execute such a purpose. Esther re- 
plied : "The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman." 
Instantly the king's wrath lighted on his former favorite. 
One of the chamberlains mentioned the gallows that had 



176 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

been erected for Mordecai, and the king commanded that 
Haman should be hanged on it. 

Mordecai' s Advancement. — That very day was Mor- 
decai installed in Hainan's place. Despatches were sent 
to all parts of his kingdom revoking his former edict, and 
encouraging the Jews to defend themselves against their 
enemies. The eventful thirteenth of Adar arrived at 
length. The Jews, encouraged by the king's decree, 
bravely withstood the onslaught of their enemies. Among 
those who perished were the ten sons of Haman. In 
Shushan the attack and resistance were repeated on the 
fourteenth also. In memory of this deliverance, the Jews 
to this day celebrate the feast of Purim in its due season. 
The word is derived from Pur, meaning "lot." 



CHAPTER VII. 

Ezra. — Nehemiah. 

Ezra the Scribe. — On the death of Xerxes, his son 
Artaxerxes ascended the Persian throne. In the seventh 
year of his reign, another body of Jews, to the number of 
over fifteen hundred, set out from Persia to return to the 
Holy Land. The leadership of this band was conferred 
upon Ezra, a descendant of Aaron the high priest, a 
righteous and God-fearing man. Armed with a royal 
edict, he set out on his journey in the month of Nisan, and 
reached Jerusalem in the month of Av (458 B.C.E.). 
Ezra was shocked and grieved to find that many of the 
Jews had married heathen wives. He was determined to 
check this sin with unsparing hand. He summoned the 
whole congregation before him, and charged them with 
having transgressed God's command. The people acted 
according to the advice of Ezra, and purified themselves 
from their transgression. It was at this period that 



THE CAPTIVITY— THE RESTORATION 177 

Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to the inhabitants of 
Jerusalem. The Bible gives few further details of Ez- 
ra's work; but, according to tradition, he (i) founded 
the "Great Synagogue"; (2) collected and arranged the 
books of Scripture as they now exist; (3) introduced the 
present Hebrew characters; (4) added the vowel points, 
which are yet employed; and (5) composed portions of 
the prayer-book which we still use. 

Nehemiah. — The work of restoration at Jerusalem was 
now taken up by other hands. Nehemiah held the im- 
portant post of cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes. Learning 
that the inhabitants of Jerusalem were in great affliction, 
while its walls were still in ruins, Nehemiah determined to 
proceed to the Holy City to improve its condition. In the 
twentieth year of Artaxerxes' s reign he obtained permis- 
sion to carry out the desire of his heart — the rebuilding of 
Jerusalem — but promised to return to Persia in twelve 
years. With an edict from the king, he set out on his long 
journey, and arrived in due course at his destination. Hav- 
ing viewed the city secretly by night, he set about the re- 
building of its walls with the utmost vigor. The inhabi- 
tants entered heartily into his views, and set about the work 
with enthusiasm. The surrounding tribes, who had been 
hostile to the Jews since their return, viewed these pro- 
ceedings with alarm and envy. They mocked the Jews, 
taunted them with rebellion, and hindered them in every 
possible way. So great became the annoyance that 
Nehemiah had to arm the people, so that half of them 
labored at the walls while the other half stood beside them 
with spear and shield and bow for their protection. 

The Walls Rebuilt (444 B.C.E.).— Many of the people 
complained to Nehemiah that they had become impov- 
erished through their brethren taking usury of them. 
Nehemiah rebuked the usurers, forced them to restore 
the pledges, and induced them solemnly to renounce such 
12 



178 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

practices for the future. Nehemiah himself set the peo- 
ple a noble example of disinterestedness and magnanim- 
ity. Seeing that his people were in distress, he refrained, 
all the years he was governor, from exacting the fees that 
were attached to his office. He also fed one hundred and 
fifty persons daily at his table. Still the work of rebuild- 
ing the walls went on in spite of unceasing hostility from 
without. At length the walls were finished, in the short 
space of fifty-two days. The doors were then set up, and 
porters were appointed with strict injunctions to guard 
against surprise, especially by night. 

The Law Read.— All the people gathered before the 
water gate and entreated Ezra to read to them the Law of 
God. So on the first day of the seventh month, Ezra 
ascended a wooden pulpit that had been made for the 
purpose, and began to read aloud the Word of God. 
Thirteen of the most learned men at the same time ex- 
plained to the people what was read, probably translating 
it into the Chaldaic tongue. The reading was con- 
tinued on the second day, and then the inhabitants pre- 
pared to celebrate the festival of Succoth. They went 
forth to the neighboring mountains and fetched palms 
and myrtles, and erected booths, as is commanded. The 
festival had not been so religiously kept since the days of 
Joshua. On the twenty-fourth day of the same month 
they kept a solemn fast, "and stood and confessed their 
sins and the iniquities of their fathers." 

Reform of Abuses. — As Jerusalem was still under- 
populated, Nehemiah chose one out of every ten of the 
people to dwell within its walls, while the rest were 
allowed to depart to the country. Nehemiah having thus 
accomplished all that he had desired, returned to Persia. 
But he was soon recalled to Jerusalem, to reform the 
abuses that had sprung up in his absence. What grieved 
Nehemiah most was the open desecration of the Sabbath, 



THE CAPTIVITY— THE RESTORATION 179 

which was practised in Jerusalem. The Jews had also 
relapsed into the sin of mixed marriages. 

The prophet Malachi raised his voice again and again 
to denounce these transgressions. 

With a sweeping hand Nehemiah reformed all these 
abuses. He exhorted the people to live by the Law of 
God, and to make His word their guide and support 
through life. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Chanukah.— Feast of Dedication, 164 B.C.E. 

In the time of the Second Temple, about two hundred 
years before it was destroyed by the Romans, Antiochus 
Epiphanes, King of Syria, cruelly oppressed the Jews 
dwelling in Palestine. He hated the Jewish religion, and 
labored unceasingly to uproot it. He killed many of the 
Jews, and polluted the Holy Temple. He burnt all the 
books of the Law, prohibited the keeping of the Sabbath, 
and punished severely those who even attempted to re- 
tain the name of Jew. All Palestine lay crushed at the 
tyrant's feet, and the Jewish nationality, as well as the 
Jewish faith, seemed about to perish together. 

But deliverance was at hand. At Modin, a village of 
Judah, there dwelt an aged man of priestly family, named 
Mattathias, the Asmonean, a man of great piety. With 
him lived his five sons, whom he trained in a passionate 
love for their holy faith. They were all brave men, but 
the most noteworthy of them was Judas, surnamed Mac- 
cabeus. It happened that some Syrian officers visited 
Modin, and erecting an altar to one of their idols, bade 
Mattathias to sacrifice to it. The aged patriot, filled with 
holy anger, slew the king's messenger, and raised the 
standard of revolt. He soon gathered an army, but diedere 
a blow could be struck, appointing Judas to succeed him. 



180 MANUAL OF SCRIPTURE HISTORY 

For three years the Jews struggled against the Syrian 
hosts with varying fortune, but in the end completely 
routed them in two great battles. Judas, following his 
victories, drove his enemies entirely out of Palestine. 
Entering Jerusalem, he caused the Temple to be purified. 
On the twenty-fifth of Kislev he consecrated anew the 
House of God. In memory of the dedication of the Tem- 
ple, we keep the festival of Chanukah. 

QUESTIONS. 

PART VII. 

Chapter I. — Whom did Nebuchadnezzar appoint governor over the 
remnant of the people? In what place did Gedalia set up his court? 
What befell him ? What happened to Ishmael ? What happened to Jo- 
hanan and the rest of the people ? 

Chapter II. — Who were the four youths educated by the Babylonian 
king ? By what other names were they known ? What was Nebuchad- 
nezzar's dream and Daniel's interpretation? How did the king reward 
Daniel and his friends? What happened to Shadrach, Meshach, and 
Abednego in Babylon? Why were they thrown into the fiery furnace? 

Chapter III. — Who was Belshazzar? In what consisted the impiety 
of Belshazzar's feast? What happened during its celebration? Relate 
the interpretation given by Daniel. How did Babylon fall ? To what 
monarch did Babylon then become subject? Why was Daniel cast into 
the lions' den ? What was the consequence ? 

Chapter IV. — Who was Cyrus? What was his attitude toward the 
Jews ? Who issued a proclamation for the building of the second Tem- 
ple? When did the first band of exiles leave for Jerusalem, and how 
many? Under whom? Who were Zerubbabel and Joshua? Who 
interrupted in the building of the Temple? What effect did it have? 
What prophets lived during that time? When did the dedication of the 
second Temple take place, and who built it? 

Chapter V. — Who succeeded Darius? Why did he repudiate Vashti? 
Who was Esther? By whom was she brought up? How did Mordecai 
save Ahasuerus's life ? Who was Haman? What gave rise to Haman's 
hatred of the Jews ? How did he plot their destruction ? On what day ? 
What was done to prevent the massacre? 

Chapter VI. — How was Haman's plot frustrated ? How was Mordecai 






THE CAPTIVITY— THE RESTORATION 181 

honored? What was Haman's end? What was the occasion and date 
of Purim ? What is the meaning of the word Purim ? 

Chapter VII. — Who was Ezra ? To what tribe did he belong ? What 
reform did he effect ? Who gave Ezra permission to return to Jerusalem ? 
When did he return ? How many persons accompanied him ? Describe 
the works that, according to tradition, Ezra carried out. By whom was 
Ezra succeeded in his office ? Who was Nehemiah ? What office did he 
hold in the Persian court ? What request did Nehemiah make of the king 
of Persia ? What was the object of his mission ? When were the walls 
rebuilt ? What reform did Nehemiah effect ? In which of his labors was 
he assisted by Ezra? What happened at Jerusalem during Nehemiah's 
absence ? What prophet lived at this time, and assisted Nehemiah in his 
labors ? 

Chapter VIII. — Who was Antiochus Epiphanes ? How did he oppress 
the Jews ? Who raised the revolt at Modin ? Who succeeded Mattathias 
as leader ? On what day did Judah consecrate the House of God, and in 
what year? 



APPENDIX. 

GEOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX. 

The country which was the scene of the chief events related 
in the Bible, is situated in the southwest portion of Asiatic 
Turkey. It forms a part of the province of Syria, and is under 
the rule of the Sultan. It is now inhabited mostly by Turks, 
but there are large Jewish communities at Jerusalem, Tiberias, 
Hebron, Safed, and Joppa. A considerable number of Chris- 
tians dwell in Jerusalem, Nazareth, Acre, etc. 

Names. — This country is known by many different names, 
the principal of which are : 

i. Canaan, after the youngest son of Ham, whose descend- 
ants dwelt in the parts between the Jordan and the Med- 
iterranean. 

2. Palestine. This name was derived from the Philistines, 
who dwelt along the western coast. 

3. The Land of Israel, from the name bestowed upon Jacob, 
and afterward adopted by his descendants. 

4. The Land of Judah. This name was first applied to the 
kingdom of Judah, but was in later times extended to the 
whole country. 

5. The Land of Promise, from the promise made to Abraham 
that his descendants should possess it. 

6. The Holy Land, because it was the seat of the worship of 
the true God, and because the Lord revealed Himself there 
to His prophets. 

Boundaries. — North by the mountains of Lebanon; west by 
the Mediterranean Sea; south by Arabia; and east by the 
ranges of Hermon and Bashan, and the Syrian Desert. 

Extent. — Length, from north to south, 185 miles; breadth, 
from west to east, about 70 miles. Area, 11,000 square miles. 
It is about the size of Switzerland. 

Population. — In the time of David the population was prob- 
ably about 5,000,000. 

Divisions. — 
On the north : 

Asher. Chief towns: Accho, Achzib. 

Naphtali. Kadesh, Hazor, Hamath. 

182 



APPENDIX. 183 

Zebulun. Chief towns: Tiberias. 
In the middle : 

Manasseh. " Megiddo, Oprah, Dothan, Beth- 

shan. 

Issachar. u Endor, Shunem, Jezreel, Gilboa. 

Ephraim. " Samaria, Tirzah, Gilgal, Shechem, 

Shiloh, Timnath-Serah. 
In the south : 

Dan. Modin, Ekron, Ajalon, Timnah, 

Eshtaol, Joppa. 

Benjamin. Jerusalem, Jericho, Bethel, Ai, Gib- 

eon, Ramah, Michmash, Kirjath- 
Jearim. 

Judah. Bethlehem, Makkedah, Libnah, 

Hebron, Adullam, Engedi, Te- 
koah, Lachish. 

Simeon. Beer-sheba, Askelon, Gaza. 

On the east of Jordan: 

Manasseh. Chief towns: Ashtaroth-Karnaim, Golan, Edrei. 

Gad. " Succoth, Matanaim, Peniel, Ra- 

moth-Gilead, Rabbah, Mizpah. 

Reuben. Heshbon, Dibon, Medeba. 

Mountains. — Palestine is a very mountainous country, 
though the peaks are not high as a rule. The principal ranges 
are: Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon in the north; principal height, 
Mount Hermon, 11,000 feet. Mount Tabor, in Zebulun. 
Mount Gilboa, in Issachar. Mount Carmel, in Manasseh. 
Mountains of Ephraim, principal heights, Ebal and Gerizim. 
Mount of Olives in Benjamin. Mountains of Judah. Mount 
Gilead, in Gad. Mountains of Abarim, with Mount Nebo and 
Mount Pisgah in Reuben. 

Plains. — The Plain of Jezreel, in Manasseh and Issachar 
Sharon, on the west coast; Esdraelon, in Issachar; Plain of the 
Jordan, on both sicles of that river; Hinnom and Jehoshaphat, 
near Jerusalem; Ajalon, in Dan. 

Rivers. — The Jordan, forming the eastern boundary, rises 
in Lebanon and flows into the Dead Sea ; the Kishon, through 
Issachar and Manasseh into the Mediterranean Sea; River 
Jabok, through Dan into the Jordan; River Kidron, through 
Judah into the Dead Sea. Smaller rivers are Besor, in Judah, 
Cherith, in Benjamin, and Arnon, in Gad. Besides these there 
are many mountain streams which are almost dry in summer. 



184 APPENDIX. 

Lakes. — Merom and Chinneroth, between Naphtali and 
Eastern Manasseh; the Dead Sea, between Benjamin, Judah, 
and Reuben. 

Climate. — The Holy Land enjoys a variety of climates. The 
hilly regions are cool and even cold, while the sheltered plains 
and valleys are as hot as the tropics. It is an easy matter to 
pass, in an hour's journey, from spring to summer. There are 
two rainy seasons. The first rains fall in the month of Chesh- 
van (November), and the latter rains in Nisan (April). The 
dews are very heavy, and compensate in great measure for the 
absence of rain during the droughty summer. 

Soil. — In Biblical times Palestine was very fertile, "a land 
flowing with milk and honey." The land is less productive 
now, owing especially to the destruction of the forests, and the 
consequent washing away of the soil. 

Minerals. — Iron and copper, in the Lebanon range; salt and 
bitumen, on the borders of the Dead Sea; sulphur, in the vale of 
Siddim; nitre. 

Vegetables. — Wheat, barley, rye, cucumber, hyssop, manna, 
pulse, many spices, flax, melon. 

Trees. — Cedar, almond, cypress, palm, oak, olive, poplar, 
acacia, sycamore, terebinth, vine, willow, myrrh, galbanum. 

Fruits. — Apricot, almond, date, fig, grape, olive, pome- 
granate. 

Flowers.— Rose, lily. 

Animals. — Wild and tame ass, leopard, ox, sheep, goat, bear, 
lion, camel, wild bull, deer, wolf, bee, ant, locust, scorpion, 
dove, owl, quail, stork, raven, ostrich. 

Original Inhabitants. — When the children of Israel entered 
the Holy Land under the leadership of Joshua, they found it 
inhabited by seven tribes : the Canaanites, Hivites, and Periz- 
zites dwelt in the north, the Jebusites in the centre, the Hittites 
and Amorites on the south and east. The Girgashites occupied 
the eastern side of the Sea of Chinneroth. 

Neighboring Nations. — The western sea-coast, from Raphia 
to Joppa, was occupied by the Philistines. To the north of 
these dwelt the Phoenicians. To the southwest lay Egypt. 
On the east of the Dead Sea stretched the land of Ammon and 
Moab. Syria (Aram) lay due north, while east of the Syrian 
Desert were Assyria, Media, Babylonia, Persia, and India. 

Commerce. — Trade has existed from the period when men 
first formed themselves into communities. In the history of 



APPENDIX. 185 

Abraham we read of money current with the "merchant." In 
the time of Jacob we hear of well-ordered caravans trading be- 
tween distant countries. The Jews were chiefly agriculturists. 

THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE. 

1. The Law {Tor ah), also called the "Pentateuch" (Five 
Books). It contains besides the Law the history from Adam to 
the death of Moses. It is divided into five books, each of which 
is subdivided into weekly sections (Sedro), and these again into 
seven divisions, of which each is called Parsho. The following 
are the five books : 

i. Genesis. Contains the history of the creation, of Adam 
and his sons, of Noah and the flood, and of the patriarchs to 
the death of Joseph. 

2. Exodus. Contains the history of the Israelites in Egypt, 
their departure from Egypt, the Revelation on Mount Sinai, 
and the construction of the Tabernacle. 

3. Leviticus. Laws concerning sacrifices, dietary and sani- 
tary laws, the sanctification of man. 

4. Numbers. History of the Israelites during their journeys 
in the wilderness from Sinai to the borders of Moab. 

5. Deuteronomy. Moses addresses the people, and exhorts 
them to be faithful to God and His law. 

II. Prophets. 

1 . Earlier Prophets: Containing the history of the Israelites 
from the conquest of Palestine by Joshua to the destruction 
of the Temple of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, King of 
Babylon. 

(a.) Joshua. The conquest and the division of the Holy 
Land. 

(b.) Judges. The period of the Judges, between the death 
of Joshua and the birth of Samuel. 

(c.) Two Books of Samuel. The history of Samuel and 
Saul, the earlier history of David (first book), and the reign 
of David (second book). 

(d.) Two Books of Kings. Death of David, reign of Solo- 
mon, division of the realm into kingdoms of Judah and Israel, 
kings of Judah to Jehoshaphat, and of Israel to Ahab (first 
book), the successors of Ahab to the occupation of the country 
by the Assyrians, and the successors of Jehoshaphat to the be- 
ginning of the Babylonian exile (second book). 



186 APPENDIX. 

2. Later Prophets: Contains exhortations to faith in God 
and obedience to His commandments, addresses of rebuke, 
and words of comfort. 

(a.) Isaiah. During the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and 
Hezekiah. 

(b.) Jeremiah. From the reign of Josiah to the Babylonian 
exile. 

(c.) Ezekiel. During the Babylonian exile. 

(d.) (The twelve) Minor Prophets. 

Contemporaries of Isaiah: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, 
Jonah, Micah. 

From the end of the Assyrian invasion to the beginning of the 
Babylonian invasion: Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah. 

After the return of the Jews from the Babylonian exile: 
Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. 

III. Hagiographa or Holy Writings. 

i . Psalms of David and several other writers. 

2. Proverbs of Solomon. 

3. Job. Contains the history of a pious man who suffered 
exceedingly, yet remained faithful to God, and the discussions 
of Job and his friends on the goodness and justice of God. 

4. Song of Solomon. Songs in which the relation between 
God and Israel is supposed to be figuratively represented as 
that between bridegroom and bride. 

5. Ruth. The history of Ruth, her kindness and faithfulness 
to her husband and his kinsfolk. 

6. Lamentations. Lamentations of Jeremiah over the de- 
struction of the Temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, 
and the exile of the Israelites. 

7. Ecclesiastes . Reflections on the vanity of human life. 

8. Esther. The history of Haman's plot against the Jews, 
and its defeat through Mordecai and Esther. 

The last five books are called "the five rolls," and are read 
on Passover, Festival of Weeks, ninth of Ab, Festival of Taber- 
nacles, and Purim respectively. 

9. Daniel. The history and visions of Daniel during the 
Babylonian exile. 

10. Ezra. The history of the return of the Jews from the 
Babylonian exile, and the rebuilding of the Temple. 

n. Nehemiah. The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. 
12. The two Books of Chronicles. Genealogies of the tribes 
of Israel, and the history of the kingdom of Judah. 



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